1.   Applications for optional retirement have to be submitted to the division six months in advance.

2.   At present, the Government is strict about optional retirement unless on medical grounds.

3.   He said it was difficult for the Government to prevent civil servants from applying as they had the right to optional retirement.

4.   I agree that the Government should seriously reconsider its decision to freeze optional retirement among its employees.

5.   Meanwhile, when asked about government servants who have applied for optional retirement, Khalil said the economic downturn has not directly affected the number of those applying.

6.   Most employees who intended to opt out must have been looking forward to their optional retirement.

7.   Optional retirement for medical reasons should also be allowed.

8.   The Cabinet decided in December to restrict optional retirement to reduce Government expenditure in light of the current economic situation.

9.   THE Government should review its decision to bar optional retirement for its employees.

10.   The Government and Cuepacs should look into these suggestions with a view to removing the stifling restriction on optional retirement.