Impose Retirement Age On Politicians Too

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Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said's suggestion to raise the retirement age to 65 is not without merit.
It is true that many between 60 and 65 still have the energy, mental capacity, and skills to continue contributing to the workforce and economy.
However, rather than focus on the masses, I propose that a retirement age be imposed on politicians, too.
Sixty-five, as Azalina proposed, is a good age to limit politicians from being active as both ministers and MPs.
ADSThis has several benefits.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman SaidFirst, it ensures that politicians are still at peak health, mentally and physically.
That's not to say that those above 65 are all senile or not physically fit; many are sharper and healthier than youths.
But it can't be ignored that with age comes declining performance.
We should strive to avoid situations like those in the US, where Joe Biden - whose memory was actively failing - refused to drop out of the 2024 presidential race until he was forced out.
Other benefits
Second, it ensures rejuvenation in politics. A mandatory retirement age means we won't get stuck with the same politicians for decades.
It encourages leaders to groom successors - or at least proxies, instead of planning to have an extended grip on power.
Another benefit is that perhaps we will have fewer by-elections triggered by the deaths of MPs.
The downside is that we do risk losing some truly remarkable characters of great wisdom, experience, and integrity.
However, such individuals can still serve in advisory roles without having direct access to power.
I propose that such a proposal take effect by 2035 at the latest.
ADSThis would give Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who has had many years taken away from him due to imprisonment, a chance to live out his dream of heading the government.
But he should be the last prime minister to be above 65. - Mkini
ZIKRI KAMARULZAMAN is a member of the Malaysiakini team.

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