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THE proposal to raise Malaysia’s mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65 is merely a personal opinion and not an official government stance, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said clarified recently.
Speaking at a press conference following the launch of the AI Legal Justice Roadmap 2025–2026 and the Institutional Reform Map (PetaRI) at Universiti Malaya, Azalina said she was unaware of any Cabinet plans to begin implementation in specific sectors or industries.
“No, it is simply a personal view based on my observations. I do not know if the government intends to look at certain groups or industries,” she said.
Azalina also acknowledged public reactions to her earlier remarks on 21 May, stressing that she respected differing opinions on the matter.
“I know there are many netizens, some who agree and some who do not, and that’s fine. It was just a personal opinion. I was informed that Singapore and Brunei have set their retirement age at 65,” she added.
Azalina had previously floated the suggestion during an awards ceremony in Putrajaya, stating: “Perhaps the government could consider raising the retirement age to 65. This is my personal view, not a Cabinet decision. Some officials we meet are still youthful and energetic, even though they have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.”
According to the World Economic Forum, retirement ages vary globally — with Norway among the highest at 67 and Saudi Arabia among the lowest at 47.
Retirement Age Proposal Yet to Reach Cabinet
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that a proposal to raise Malaysia’s retirement age from 60 to 65 has not yet been tabled before the Cabinet, stressing that comprehensive studies must be undertaken first.
Speaking after officiating the Public Bank–Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Language Award ceremony in the capital today, Anwar said the matter merits consideration, but a deeper understanding of its implications is essential.
“It has not been brought to Cabinet. Usually, such a paper will be discussed and presented to the Cabinet,” he said.
“Let it be studied — its financial implications, demographics, job opportunities. There are many implications,” he added.
His remarks follow earlier statements by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who suggested the idea be considered, noting that many individuals over 60 remain active and capable of contributing to the workforce.
The proposal has sparked wide public debate, particularly on social media, with varying opinions on whether extending the retirement age would benefit or burden the economy and younger jobseekers. - May 22, 2025