{UAH} IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET YOUR PENSION BEFORE RETIRING?

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET YOUR PENSION BEFORE RETIRING?

The discussion of MP's pensions has come up again and this time it is about amending the law to allow MPs to access their pension before retiring.

Now, we are not calling anyone greedy, Just ambitious. Let's have a look at the situation:

PENSION LAW FOR OTHERS IN PUBLIC SERVICE

People employed in public service have a Pensions Act that was commenced on 1st Jan 1946 and remains unchanged today. It even has provisions in it referring to the colonial government and prohibits challenging any decision by the pensions authorities in Court. Only people who have been in the public service for 10 or more years are eligible to receive pension.

A Bill was Presented to Parliament years ago to liberalise the retirement options of public servants. It was withdrawn.

PENSION LAW FOR MPS

Members of Parliament passed a Parliamentary Pensions Act in 2007 which was backdated to commence in 2001 (meaning they would receive their pensions as if the law had been in force in 2001). They then amended it in 2011.

It has very friendly provisions (which also apply to members of the Parliamentary staff) that include retirement being considered attainment of 45 years of age and ceasing to be a Member of Parliament after a period of 5 continuous years as MP.

The Act prrovides for Government contributing every month, 30% of the member's "monthly pensionable emolument" to their pension account.

The pension is supposed to be paid every month for 15 years after the Member has left Parliament (or if they left parliament before reaching the age of 45 years, upon reaching 45 years).

Interesting to note is that even if a member is orderd out ouf Parliament by Court as a result of an election petition- this law still considers them to be a Member of parliament until the next election cycle. This Act as amended also exempts the pensions, benefits or refunds from income tax.

WHY THE NEW AMENDMENT IS SOUGHT

According to Press reports, the major reason for desiring the new amendment is so that Members can access their pensions while still serving as Members of Parliament. As you know, normally pensions are made available after someone leaves the public office in order to help them support their livelihoods since they would not be receiving any salary.

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Allaah gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him."And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things." (6:17)

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