The Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, as per your advice at the Parliamentary Business Committee, I was asked to raise a point of order regarding a question not submitted by me under Standing Order 27(2). Two weeks ago, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government tabled an answer to an SO 27(2) question I did not ask. I intended to question him on that non-answer, but he is absent again today. Please allow me to state the matter briefly.

¶ 02 I earlier raised the issue of pensions. Without my submitting a question, the Hon. Minister tabled a response. Under that, I asked three direct questions: - To stop withholding tax on pensioners given the current economic situation, and if removed, to propose a framework thereafter. - To establish a pension fund rather than paying pensions monthly out of the Treasury. - To address the widespread issue where those who served long periods as casuals and later became permanent are denied pensions after retirement because of how service periods are counted—affecting many, including in the Health Ministry. I requested a committee to resolve this.

¶ 03 No answers were provided. I request that the Minister provide answers. Thank you for the time.