IPOH: The government has been urged to expedite the introduction of a law requiring adult children to provide financial support to their aging parents.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran said that such a law would serve as an institutional reform, as many elderly people across all races often complain about being neglected by their children.
"Some of whom are earning well but neither provide financial support nor visit their parents.
"I’ve spoken about this issue when I was in the opposition, but I think that this (current) government should give it priority and get this done as to me, these are some of the institutional reforms," he told reporters after attending a Deepavali Humanitarian and Environment project organised by LC Perak Silver State and Ipoh City Watch at Kinta heights on Saturday (Oct 18).
Also present was Ipoh City Watch president Prof Dr Richard Ng.
Kulasegaran added that Singapore has long implemented such a law.
"I urge the government to bring this law as soon as possible because it would be a win-win situation for both the parents and the government," he said, adding that it should not be the government’s sole responsibility to care for the elderly.
"It is also the children’s responsibility," he said.
Acknowledging that the proposal could be a sensitive issue, he said some may question the need for such a law.
"It's also sensitive to some people who say, why should you do this kind of law.
"I have spoken about this when I was in the opposition a lot. But now, in government, the portfolio doesn't strictly come under me, although we have initiated it," he said.
He hopes that the relevant ministries would act quickly as the people are expecting it.
When asked how much adult children should provide for their parents, he said it should depend on one’s income level.
"For example, if you’re earning RM5,000 a month, providing RM500 to your parents is not a big money."
He added that such a law would work as a fear and love among children.
"You fear because the act is there and they can enforce it, but you give out of love because they are your parents," he said.
