Pension is an entitlement for every citizen of a country, if it is in a position to foot the bill. In developed democratic countries, pension is paid out according to the contribution of an individual during his/her productive years. In other words, depending on the amount that the individual has contributed to the tax system. Other than that, people who are socially in need or handicapped are also looked after from cradle to grave. This is called a social security net or system, consuming the largest portion of the government expenditure.

For example, in Germany the MPs are also entitled to such pension, relatively higher than normal working citizens, as it is presumed, rightly or wrongly, a more responsible and hard taxing job compare to the others. But it is not called political pension and only treat it as old age pension like all others.

And as such, the payment of pension will only happen when an individual reach a maturity age. In Germany, it is now 67 years of age is the norm to be pensioner.

Thus, an MP if he/she is out of the parliament and still have not reach the pension age still must work and find employment in the job market.

Now in Burma, a lump-sum financial reward for the outgoing MPs after five years of service in the parliament should be in order, if not termed as pension. But a monthly allowance even before the age of pension will become problematic, as it will drain the government’s coffer unnecessarily if the said MP is young and won’t take up job, but rely on the monthly allowance.

Therefore, the Thein Sein government and also the incoming NLD Regime should think hard before doling out such financial rewards, particularly where immediate pension on monthly basis is concerned.

Finally, the German pension system, at least for MPs, is the way to go, if the government like to do it in an appropriate and reasonable way