©New Sunday Times (Used
by permission)
By Tan Choe Choe
Datuk Paduka Badruddin Amiruldin says that instead of asking the government to spend more money to build nursing homes or old folks homes, it would be better if we get the children to care for their elderly parents
Growing reports of children abandoning their parents in old folks homes or not supporting them have prompted Jerai member of parliament Datuk Paduka Badruddin Amiruldin to urge parliament to enact a law to punish the errant children. But president of the National Council of Senior Citizens Organisations Malaysia, Lum Kin Tuck, thinks the proposed law is unnecessary and, if introduced, ‘can be a disgrace to us’. TAN CHOE CHOE speaks to them
Law will deter children from taking easy way out
Q: Why did you come up with the proposal to punish children who neglect their
parents?
A: I’ve seen many elderly people who have been abandoned at old folks homes and
their children hardly visit them, even on festive occasions. Some do not even
send a sen home to their parents (who stay in their own home). Religion teaches
us that to derhaka (betray) our parents is the ultimate sin. I want this law in
place so that these ungrateful children can be punished in a court of law before
they are judged under God’s laws in the afterlife.
Q: What punishment do you think is appropriate for them?
A: The punishment will have to be heavy enough to ensure that they will shoulder
their responsibilities towards their parents. Imprisonment should be considered.
The merciless deserve no mercy. It’s not fair to ask the government to support
their parents. It’s a drain on our resources.
Q: How bad is the situation?
A: It’s not that bad yet. But it can get worse. Instead of asking the government
to spend more money to build nursing homes or old folks homes, it would be
better if we get the children to care for their elderly parents.
Q: Some think this issue is a personal matter and to introduce such a law is
too drastic to get people to change.
A: If it’s a personal issue, fine, solve it yourself and don’t involve the
government and public funds. Don’t send the elderly parents to government–run
homes. When a person can stoop so low as to betray his parents, then this law is
not drastic. It is only to remind them that if they betray their parents, they
better be prepared to go to court.
Q: How many elderly parents are now registered under nursing or old folks’
homes?
A: I don’t have the latest figures but I have been told by the minister (of
Women, Family and Community Development) that the situation is "not critical
yet". When you say "not yet", there’s a tendency for it to get critical. That’s
why I’m worried.
Q: Your proposed law seems to be similar to the one that Singapore has, the
Maintenance of Parents Act introduced in 1995, which makes it a legal obligation
for children to maintain their parents.
A: Yes, it is similar but I didn’t propose it to follow Singapore, but because I
see a need here.
Q: Under this law you proposed, parents who feel neglected can report their
children to the authorities?
A: Yes, they can report to the Social Welfare Department and the department will
investigate. Or they can report to us, their elected representatives, and we
will forward the matter to the department. Their family will be called in for
counselling. If counselling fails, then we will take them to court.
Q: But many parents are naturally protective and would be reluctant to report
their children.
A: Well, we can empower anyone to report on the irresponsible children, not just
the parents themselves. Anyone who knows there are old folks mistreated or
neglected by their children can make a report to the authorities.
Q: Certain parties may feel that some elderly parents are neglected not
because their children do not want them, but because the children do not have
the money.
A: The government has lots of schemes and welfare benefits in place to help the
needy. If the children find it really too hard to manage, they should see their
elected representatives or a welfare department officer and they will surely
help find a solution.
The children should not take the easy way out and send them away. This law is to
deal with those who take the easy way out and send their parents to welfare
homes.
For those who really have no time to care for their parents but can afford it,
they can send them to well–run private homes or employ a maid.
Q: There is an argument that we do not need such a law because Malaysians
generally take care of their parents.
A: What’s wrong with having this law? If you take good care of your parents,
what is there to be worried about?
This law is only to act as a deterrent. It is to safeguard the welfare of the
elderly parents.
Q: Has there been a conclusive study on the plight of the elderly to support
your proposal?
A: No. I spoke up because it was based on my own experience — the plight of the
people who came to me seeking help.
Q: Don’t we need more time to study the issue before any law is proposed and
passed?
A: This law is only to remind people to take care of their parents. It is only a
guideline.
It is not to frighten anyone, but it will act as a deterrent. It will be a good
law.