17 March 2023

Thorough study needed on proposed Senior Citizens Bill; Govt needs to engage with public & relevant bodies on drafting Bill

The government should be cautious to not rush the introduction of a Senior Citizens Bill, but instead ensure that extensive studies are done from multiple angles beforehand. In particular, the government could focus on empowering and supporting senior citizens, such as facilities to encourage an active lifestyle, and helping them find their place in the community. 

Wanita MCA urges the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development to conduct a thorough study before tabling it in the Dewan Rakyat in 2024.

As the Senior Citizens Bill bears an impact on almost everyone in society, the government should invite expertise, women NGOs, providers of healthcare services from both the public and private sectors, welfare organisations and political parties to jointly carry out this study and draft the Bill.

Wanita MCA is willing and ready to contribute ideas on the drafting of this Bill taking into account the welfare of the elderly whilst highlighting the concerns of the next-of-kin. 

Salaary deduction proposal

With regards to proposals to compel salary deductions, I believe that trying to resolve the issue via threats will only lead to public outrage. While raising awareness and advocating for moral values is a good thing, a totalitarian style enforcement could easily backfire and even split the society.

Filial piety is something that should be personal for everyone. By forcing the public to be filial, the sincerity is lost and the act of caring for one’s parents turns into an obligation instead of an expression of love. 

Furthermore, every household is different: living conditions, number of children, financial situation; if we ignore all this by using a one-size-fit solution, it would create more problems than it would solve.

Many nations worldwide are also facing the challenges of an ageing population. In order to create a society which is conducive for them, it would take not just law enforcement, but also raising awareness in education, making improvements for elderly care facilities, providing areas which are catered for their activities, and caring for those without children.

Even if there is a need for legislation to govern these issues, ample time must be given for studies to be done and all considerations to be accounted for so that the law can be fair to everyone.

-MCA online-