Elderly Welfare and Protection: KPWKM Evaluates Feasibility of New Law
Ministerial Statement
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM), recently announced that the ministry is evaluating the feasibility of introducing a law to ensure the welfare and protection of the elderly. According to her, before any such law is implemented, it is essential to gain consensus on its approach, particularly regarding whether punitive measures should be imposed on children who fail to fulfill their responsibility to care for their parents, similar to the approach in Singapore.
Consensus and Family Values
Additionally, the minister emphasized the need to consider whether fostering noble values, responsibility, and other principles within families would create strong family institutions, thus reducing the need for legal enforcement. She emphasized that this evaluation is part of a study to determine whether a new law should be drafted, or if improvements can be made through amendments to existing laws.
Senior Citizens Bill and Long-Term Plan
The minister was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Che Alias Hamid regarding the current status of the Senior Citizens Bill, which was initially planned for tabling this year but has since been postponed. Senator Hamid emphasized that the Senior Citizens Bill is crucial as Malaysia prepares for its transition into an ageing nation by 2030, highlighting the need for it to be prioritized.
In response to an inquiry from Senator Datuk Shamsuddin Abd Ghaffar regarding the long-term plan to address the issue of neglected and suffering senior citizens, Nancy said that her ministry has implemented various initiatives, including the Cinta Minda Intergenerasi programme.
Cinta Minda Intergenerasi Programme
This programme, launched under the state-level Senior Citizen Development Committee (JPWEN) since 2018, focuses on raising awareness and bridging the generational gap between youths and seniors. Its objective is to foster mutual respect and appreciation between the generations.
National Advisory and Consultative Council
The minister also mentioned that the National Advisory and Consultative Council for Older Persons will continue to offer recommendations and advise the government on matters related to senior citizens. This includes empowering the rights of senior citizens and developing infrastructure that caters to their needs. All stakeholders are encouraged to contribute their views and suggestions to enhance the well-being of senior citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the KPWKM is committed to evaluating the feasibility of introducing a law to ensure the welfare and protection of the elderly. The minister’s emphasis on consensus and family values highlights the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing the issue of neglected and suffering senior citizens. The implementation of initiatives such as the Cinta Minda Intergenerasi programme and the National Advisory and Consultative Council demonstrates the ministry’s dedication to empowering senior citizens and enhancing their well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of introducing a law to ensure the welfare and protection of the elderly?
A: The purpose is to ensure that senior citizens are protected from neglect and suffering, and to promote a culture of respect and appreciation for them.
Q: What are the key principles that will guide the evaluation of introducing a law to ensure the welfare and protection of the elderly?
A: The key principles include fostering noble values, responsibility, and other principles within families to create strong family institutions, and considering whether punitive measures should be imposed on children who fail to fulfill their responsibility to care for their parents.
Q: What initiatives has the KPWKM implemented to address the issue of neglected and suffering senior citizens?
A: The KPWKM has implemented initiatives such as the Cinta Minda Intergenerasi programme, which focuses on raising awareness and bridging the generational gap between youths and seniors, and the National Advisory and Consultative Council for Older Persons, which offers recommendations and advises the government on matters related to senior citizens.