Arya News - The Ipoh Barat MP said the proposal, which comes under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, was being pursued in collaboration with his ministry.
IPOH – The proposed Senior Citizens Bill is still being discussed with stakeholders and could be tabled early next year, says Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran (pic).
The Ipoh Barat MP said the proposal, which comes under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, was being pursued in collaboration with his ministry.
“The matter is still under consultation. I’m hoping to table the matter this year, but it probably looks like early next year,” he told reporters at the Program Sumbangan Prihatin Hari Malaysia on Thursday (Sept 17).
Kulasegaran said any legislation introduced must first undergo proper consultation.
“We need to discuss it with NGOs, other departments and various stakeholders. We also need to study the Act before any action can be taken.
“This process has already started and is ongoing. Although it is a bit tight to table it in October, November or December, I’m hoping that it will come in the end,” he said.
He said the need for such legislation had been raised by elderly parents.
Kulasegaran said the proposed Bill would address situations where elderly parents who are no longer working are not provided with financial or other support by their adult children, including professionals such as lawyers, doctors, politicians and engineers.
He said such legislation was not unusual, with similar laws already in place in several countries.
“This is not an unusual proposal. In several countries, including India and Singapore, we have studied what kind of legislation could be adopted in Malaysia,” he said.
On mandatory caning, Kulasegaran said the issue was also still under consultation following a recent meeting he chaired on a study into its impact and effectiveness in Malaysia.
He said discussions with the Attorney General’s Chambers and other relevant parties were ongoing.
“There are three meetings with various stakeholders, including NGOs and ministries.
“We are looking at the suggestions given. The question being asked by society is whether whipping is effective. That is what we need to study before making a decision,” he said.
Kulasegaran said discussions on the issue began about four to five months ago and he hoped the study could be concluded by the end of the year.
Asked whether the study could lead to the abolition of mandatory caning, he said no decision had been made as differing views had been put forward.
“Some are suggesting abolishing it, while some are suggesting keeping it.
“We need to obtain views from the judiciary, agencies and lawyers, as well as those who have been caned and undergone the process, including former prisoners whom we have spoken to. These are all key considerations,” he said.
Asked whether abolishing mandatory caning could lead to an increase in crime, Kulasegaran said there were arguments on both sides.
He added that the government was also examining issues involving mental capacity, particularly cases where a person suddenly becomes mentally incapacitated and their next of kin must go to court to obtain authority to manage their affairs.