Second Reading Of Bill To Extend Retirement Age Of EC Members

December 11, 2007 18:28 PM       
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 (Bernama) — The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2007 was tabled for second reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, aimed at extending by one year to 66 years the retirement age of members of the Election Commission (EC).

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz tabled the bill on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He said the amendment was in accordance with the extension of the retirement age, from 65 to 66, of the judges of the High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court in 2005.
Mohamed Nazri said that under the proposed amendment, EC members appointed after the amendment comes into force will retire upon attaining the age of 66.
However, members appointed before the amendment comes into force have the option of retiring at 65 or 66, he added.
The EC comprises a chairman, a deputy chairman and five ordinary members appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong after consultation with the Conference of Rulers.