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To most people, Aminah Ahmad is just an ordinary retiree
But to some 530,000 fellow pensioners, Aminah represents hope for a fairer pension after years of service to the country.
That hope, however, was dealt a setback following a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, which set aside the High Court order compelling the government to adjust former civil servants’ pensions based on a 2016 Public Service Department (PSD) circular.
Aminah’s legal representative, Gurpreet Kaur Pannu, said they are now required to file an application for leave to appeal to the Federal Court.
However, the legal team is still waiting for the written grounds of judgment from the Court of Appeal.
“Once the grounds are released, we will study them carefully and proceed with the leave application within the prescribed timeline.
“The next step will therefore be the filing of that leave application, after which the Federal Court will decide whether the appeal can proceed,” she told SAYS..
Aminah (in red) and 56 other retired civil servants went to court, arguing that pensions should be revised in line with a 2016 circular issued by the Public Service Department.
Image via FMT
But who is Aminah, and why is she leading the fight in this case?
Born in Kuala Lumpur, the Methodist Girls’ School alumna began her career in public service in 1966 with the Lands and Mines Ministry.
She later served in the Primary Industries Ministry (1972), the Forestry Department (1975), the Agriculture Department (1980), and Wisma Putra (1984), before retiring in 2002.
Gurpreet said the Appeal court’s decision has not dampened Aminah’s determination to fight for what she believes is the rightful entitlement of pensioners.
“For Puan Aminah, this case has always been about ensuring that pensioners receive what they are rightfully entitled to after years of service to the country,” said Gurpreet.
Gurpreet added that the 79-year-old is clinging to hope that the legal process will ultimately bring clarity and a fair outcome for the many pensioners closely following the case.
“She remains resilient and in good spirits despite the recent decision.
“While naturally disappointed, she understands that the legal process is still ongoing and remains determined to pursue the matter through the proper legal channels.
“She is also very grateful for the support and encouragement she has received from fellow pensioners and members of the public,” she said.
In case you missed it, here’s the case in simple terms
Aminah and 56 other retired civil servants went to court, arguing that pensions should be revised in line with a 2016 circular issued by the Public Service Department.
A key dispute centres on the government’s move to implement a flat 2% annual pension increase.
The retirees argue that this fixed rate is too low and unfair because it replaces the previous method that linked pension adjustments to salary revisions of serving civil servants.
They say pensions should rise in tandem with civil service pay to reflect living costs and maintain fairness.