PPP Youth Wing Opposes Proposal to Raise Civil Servants’ Retirement Age to 65

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 August 2025 — The Youth Wing of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has voiced opposition to the recent proposal to raise the mandatory retirement age for civil servants from 60 to 65, warning that such a move could worsen youth unemployment and restrict career opportunities for young Malaysians.

In a statement issued today, PPP National Youth Chief Sathiah Sudakaran said the proposal announced by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar may risks creating a “systemic bottleneck” within the civil service, with far-reaching implications for graduate employability and overall workforce renewal.

“While we recognise the government’s intent to address demographic shifts and the challenges of an ageing population, equal, if not greater consideration must be given to the immediate and long-term consequences this proposal will have on the younger generation and the already saturated job market,” said Sathiah.

He argued that prolonging the tenure of senior civil servants may inadvertently hinder the career progression of early-career professionals, adding that this policy direction appears to contradict the national priority of youth empowerment and economic inclusion.

“At a time when national focus should be on job creation, entrepreneurship and workforce readiness, this move sidelines the very demographic poised to drive Malaysia’s future,” he said.

The PPP Youth Wing called for the government to:

1. Suspend further consideration of the proposed increase in retirement age until a transparent, youth-inclusive consultation process is conducted;

2. Undertake a comprehensive impact assessment that includes data on youth unemployment, underemployment and graduate employability; and

3. Explore alternative options such as post-retirement consultancy roles, flexible re-employment, or phased retirement schemes instead of extending full-time employment across the board.

The statement also urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Public Service Department to align policy decisions with the values of social justice and youth empowerment outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan.

“Malaysia’s youth must not be marginalised in national policymaking.

“Any initiative that diminishes their access to meaningful opportunities threatens both intergenerational equity and the country’s long-term resilience,” Sathiah suggested.

The proposal to raise the retirement age has sparked public debate in recent days, with various stakeholders weighing in on its potential impact on the economy, pension liabilities, and workforce dynamics.