IPOH: The Senior Citizens Bill, which will incorporate stakeholders feedback, is still under discussion, says M. Kulasegaran.
The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) said the Bill is expected to be tabled by early next year as the government still needed to consult non-governmental organisations, relevant departments, and other stakeholders.
“The matter is still under consultation.
I’m hoping (to table) the matter this year, but it probably looks like early next year.
“This comes under the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, so we are collaborating,” he told reporters at the Program Sumbangan Prihatin Hari Malaysia here yesterday.
He also said that the proposal is not a deviation from the norm.
“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, adding that should an act be introduced, the matter cannot be handled arbitrarily.
“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 short (to table) for October, November and December, I’m hoping that it will come in the end,” he added.
On mandatory caning, Kulasegaran said the matter is also still under consultation following a recent meeting on the study into the impact and effectiveness of mandatory caning in Malaysia, which he chaired recently, while discussions with the Attorney General’s Chambers and other parties are also 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, adding that he hopes to conclude the study by the end of this year.
When asked if the study is related to abolishing mandatory caning, he said various suggestions have been offered.
“Some suggesting to abolish, some suggesting to keep it.
“We need to obtain views from the judiciary, agencies and lawyers, as well as from those who have been caned and have undergone the process (of being caned). These are all the key features,” said Kulasegaran, who added there are pros and cons on caning.
He also said that the government is also looking into issues involving mental capacity, particularly cases where a person suddenly becomes mentally incapacitated and their next of kin has to go to court to manage their affairs.
