Abdul Rahman Al-Tayeb Al-Ansari has been chosen to be the first president of the National Charitable Institution for Retirees in the Kingdom. How can the word “charity” be suitable for this organization, I honestly do not know. Does it mean that its members are voluntarily helping? Are they going to bring charity to retired people? Or is it just another charitable institution to help widows and orphans? In any case, an organization devoted to retirees is a good step.
In many Arab countries, retired people — whether from the public or private sector — are neglected as if they no longer belonged to the community — a community which they served with their strength and expertise for many years. Present community members who pay no attention to retired people will themselves become retirees in the future and will experience the same lack of recognition.
I honestly cannot justify this neglect, whether intentional or unintentional. Retired people have the right to all privileges; they deserve a great deal and it should not be given to them out of “charity,” but as our obligation and duty to them and for them.
What I know is that money belonging to the Pension Office is payable only to retirees. I also know that insurance money is the right of all people who have retired from companies. Therefore, the money should be given to them because it was originally taken from them. Millions come from the Pension Office and Insurance Office and this money has been invested in different projects. Supposedly, this money is constantly increasing so there is no excuse for ignoring the rights of retired people.
There are a number of rewards that should benefit retirees. They should enjoy adequate housing and have a pension that is sufficient to cover their expenses. Facts tell us, however, that large numbers of retired people can barely afford the basic needs for their daily lives and that of their families.
When Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah ordered a salary increase of 15 percent for government employees, it included retired people as well. I wonder why insurance offices do not follow the same policy and why they differentiate between one retired person and another. Most retirees are in similar circumstances and suffer from the expenses of daily life.
They are still looking to be included in the king’s decision. The minister of labor should take quick action to ensure equal treatment of all citizens.
Other humanitarian duties pertaining to retired people have also been neglected. There should be social clubs for them in every city and town — places where they can meet and enjoy various activities and discussions. They will require medical care which was covered by insurance before retirement but not after. They are in greater need of health insurance at this stage of their lives than ever before. Insurance offices have their own hospitals so they should be responsible for these people’s medication and treatment. The companies should also facilitate treatment for them in other hospitals.
The Shoura Council should consider very carefully the needs and requirements of this group within society. Their needs should be identified and addressed; every effort should be made to guarantee them comfortable lives. The world honors elderly people and benefits from their wide knowledge and experience. Our religion commands us to provide help to, and assist, those in need. We are fortunate to have money but what we need is action on the part of citizens. We say to Al-Ansari and the National Charitable Institution for Retirees that we wish them the best of luck. They have a difficult task in ensuring the rights of so many retired people.
