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Malaysia in Exploratory Phase for Unexplained Wealth Order and Monthly Pension Payments
The government of Malaysia is currently in the exploratory phase for two significant initiatives: the introduction of monthly pension payments and the Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO).
During the 2025 National Tax Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan spoke about both topics. He revealed that the government will conduct a thorough study to refine more practical implementation methods for the monthly pension payments, aimed at addressing the issue of insufficient savings among retirees.
Regarding the UWO, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan stated that they will look at good ideas before execution. However, it's important to note that the government is not yet ready to implement the UWO. The government wants to avoid unintended consequences from hurried implementation and will consider proposals carefully.
Currently, Malaysia does not have a UWO law. Existing laws only allow asset declarations and freezing after a case is opened, unlike the UWO which compels explanations of asset sources even without criminal proceedings. Former MP Charles Santiago proposed a UWO framework aimed at holding elites accountable and tackling systemic corruption and illicit wealth.
It's worth mentioning that the initiative for monthly pension payments is separate from the issue of the UWO. The government, through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), will explore a new mechanism to ensure continuous post-retirement income by splitting Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions into two main components: retirement savings and monthly pensions. This initiative is intended for those newly entering the EPF scheme, not for those already in the system.
In summary, Malaysia is in the exploratory and study phase regarding the UWO, with the government indicating cautious consideration rather than immediate enactment. The government is open to proposals but no fixed timeline for implementation has been set.
- The government of Malaysia is also considering a new approach for business and finance, introducing a new mechanism for monthly pension payments as part of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
- News about the proposed monthly pension payments has sparked general-news discussions concerning the issue of insufficient savings among retirees, which the government aims to address.
- Beyond finance, the government is also investigating the potential implementation of the Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) in the realm of law and politics, to combat systemic corruption and illicit wealth.
- In the city of Kuala Lumpur, the Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan addressed both topics during the 2025 National Tax Conference, emphasizing the importance of careful study and consideration before action.
- Tech-savvy citizens are closely following the developments in Malaysia's finance and economy sectors, paying attention to news updates on the government's efforts to refine the monthly pension payments system and consider the Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO).
- The Malaysian economy and its stable growth continue to attract international attention and investment, with the tech industry playing a significant role in the country's progress and development.