PENAMPANG: The Sabah Retired Educators Association (PMPS) voiced disappointment over the absence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from the Malaysia Madani Nationhood Seminar held at ITCC on Sunday.
Its President, Dr Aslie Sahat, said retirees, including members of the association, had travelled from various districts in hopes of meeting the Prime Minister and hearing his direct address, particularly on the pension adjustment issue, which remains a pressing concern among public sector retirees.
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The Prime Minister was, instead, represented by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
“Many of our members came from different districts, hoping at the very least to receive clarification from the Prime Minister on the status of the pension alignment.
“So when they were informed of his absence, the disappointment was deeply felt,” he said in a statement.
Nevertheless, PMPS appreciated the efforts of all parties involved in organising the seminar and acknowledged the heavy responsibilities the Prime Minister bears.
Dr Aslie said PMPS hoped the Prime Minister would consider holding a dedicated dialogue or official visit with retired educators in Sabah in the near future.
“We are always ready to welcome him with open arms and full respect, in the spirit of strengthening ties between the government and retirees who have contributed significantly to the nation’s education sector,” he said.
He emphasised that many retirees had spent hundreds of ringgit on travel and accommodation just to attend the seminar, only to leave disappointed.
