PUTRAJAYA, April 13 — The federal government needs the support of retired civil servant in order to remain strong and stable, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

The prime minister said his administration hoped to maintain a healthy relationship with ex-civil servants through the formation of the Malaysian government’s pensioners’ foundation.

“Who should pensioners turn to if not the government?

“I would prefer if you look for me instead of other people,” Najib said in his speech to some 900-odd pensioners before officiating the the launch of the foundation.

Coincidentally, the event also served as the launch for Umno’s pensioners’ club.

He said the foundation would serve as a platform for the government to get feedback from the retirees on issues such monthly pensions as well as possible projects the foundation could work on with the government.

“We can consider anything. I approve RM5 million to the foundation as a start to the foundation,” Najib said to cheers from the audience.

Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat, the foundation’s chairman and president of Umno’s pensioners’ club told attendees to appreciate the government’s contributions and to support Barisan Nasional (BN).

“We have 750,000 pensioners all over the country, can we support Najib. Say ‘yes we can!’.

“We also know where pensioners vote. So don’t just keep receiving but not giving,” Aseh said in his speech at the start of the event.