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Nawar Firdaws
PETALING JAYA: A PAS man who said the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) was unjust and “haram” must have made the statement without stopping to consider first how much members have benefitted from it.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) Executive Director Shamsuddin Bardan said the view expressed by Federal PAS committee member Zaharuddin Muhammad was baseless and extreme.
This is because the EPF is a form of compulsory savings that many retired employees are thankful of.
“At least they have savings when they retire. Without it, some of us would be penniless upon retirement and that would be disastrous.
“He (Zaharuddin) should be more careful in issuing such statements as it may persuade some individuals to take out and spend all their EPF savings the moment they hit the age of 55, although they can continue working until 60.”
Shamsuddin also questioned the timing of Zaharuddin’s remark as EPF recently announced it would introduce the “Simpanan Shariah” saving option that would enable members to convert their current savings to one managed and invested in accordance with Shariah principles.
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) acting President Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid told FMT that contrary to Zaharuddin’s allegation, EPF was in no way, a form of taxation.
“Perhaps Zaharuddin was not in his right mind due to the fasting month. EPF is a savings, which the employees can take out due to old age, or for health and education purposes, among others.
“Now it (EPF) will provide a fully Shariah-compliant account that is encouraged by Islam itself.
“He should check his facts before issuing a statement that may create doubt and fear among Muslims,” cautioned Abdullah Sani.
He also advised Zaharuddin to meet with EPF officers personally so he could obtain the full facts and understand the system better.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
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