The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Bill to repeal MPs’ pensions.

¶ 02 I draw the House’s attention to Article 36(2) of the Constitution concerning a President’s pension not being subject to ex post facto diminishment. I earnestly request that this Bill not operate retrospectively, because many depend on these pensions for survival. As Hon. Kabir Hashim noted today, former MP Ananda Sangaree, a lawyer who devoted 40 years to Parliament, lost avenues of income when away from legal practice. I ask the Government to avoid retroactive effect: many MPs and their families rely on this income; when a professional leaves their field to serve in Parliament, they forgo their livelihood during that period, yet render a service akin to public service.

¶ 03 Another point: in many countries there are contributory pension schemes. I propose that a portion of MPs’ salaries be deducted to create a contributory pension scheme, thereby avoiding a burden on taxpayers—similar to systems in the UK, Singapore, Australia, Canada and Germany. Why not introduce such a scheme?

¶ 04 Separately, our country faces a grave situation: a lawyer was recently murdered. This has created fear in the legal profession. Under Article 13(3) of the Constitution, any person has the right to be defended by an attorney-at-law. Targeting lawyers for representing accused persons undermines the entire justice system. The Government must ensure the safety of lawyers, judges, officers of the Attorney General’s Department, and police officers engaged in sensitive investigations. I understand suspects have been identified; I urge swift action. We must send a clear message that representing a client does not make a lawyer complicit in the client’s alleged crimes. The legal profession is a noble one and must be protected.