WHEN was the last time you heard our leaders talk, sincerely and passionately, about the wellbeing of our elders?
That’s right, we hardly ever hear them talk about the warga emas.
They seem more interested in the young ones. So they talk about Single Youths Assistance, E-Wallet Credit, Volunteer Rewards, MyLesen Program, TVET Training, Apprenticeship Incentives, Business Financing, My First Home Scheme and many others. All catering to the young ones!
But do these young Malaysians even vote?
If it is true that these youths are die-hard voters, their turnout in GE15 wouldn’t have dropped to 73 percent during the last GE.
In 2018, according to data furnished by the Election Commission, 4.2 million residents in this country who are 21 years old and above and eligible to vote hadn’t registered as voters.
Stop bothering yourself to think about them just because you think they might vote for you.
Furthermore, there are statistics showing an increase of 1.4 million senior citizens in a period of 10 years (2014-2024) emphasizing the urgent need for a solid support system by the government for these old and wise!
The composition of the elderly population (65 years and above) will increase to 8.0 percent (2.7 million people) in 2025 from 7.6 percent (2.6 million people) in 2024.
These seniors are more politically aware than the younger generation (even i ‘berguru’ with an ‘otai lama’ myself). And these seniors are generally considered loyal and disciplined voters, often being the highest group to vote early in elections.
Sadly, I was told that these senior citizens, especially those living in nursing homes, are less benefited by the government.
The elderly are taxed 8% SST and it has also become a burden for them, the ‘Sandwich Generation’ who have to take care of their elderly parents or grandparents.
Sure, senior citizens do enjoy some privileges and discounts but they are few and far apart. More can and needs to be done. For example, their healthcare. How many gyms offer senior citizens discounts?
Norway is often cited as the best country for the elderly due to its high quality healthcare, 100% pension coverage and strong community support.
Similarly, Switzerland ranks among the top in the elderly healthcare system, with high income levels during retirement.
Developed countries like Japan also care about the elderly. As their citizens lead in longevity and elderly care, with a high number of centenarians supported by a healthcare system, social cohesion and active lifestyle initiatives.
Malaysia, with its increasingly elderly population, has little real support from the government. They are dumping all nursing homes and assisted living facilities into “wellness” along with massage parlors and spas and charging Malaysians in their 80s – 8% SST.
I believe that the elderly are also contributors to the country’s economy. If the Madani Government takes better care of the elderly, it will definitely ease the burden of the young who have to take care of these warga emas.
PM Anwar Ibrahim will have to lead by example. Stop trying to kiss the ass of those so-called young voters. Start giving the senior citizens in the cities and villages what they deserve for the blood, sweat and tears that they have given to put Malaysia in the place it is today.
A good place and time to start doing this would be the 2027 Budget in October. – April 18, 2026
***Jepry is a nickname for Haziq Hamid, former Malaysian crime journalist (999) 2019-2021 and content producer (Astro Radio) 2023.