Kuala lumpur: The government should expedite the drafting of a comprehensive Senior Citizens Bill and the establishment of a Senior Citizens Commission to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of older persons in the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye emphasized the urgent need for this move as Malaysia is projected to become an aged nation by 2030, with 15 percent of its population expected to be aged 60 and above.
Lee highlighted that despite Malaysia's existing policies and action plans concerning older persons, their implementation remains fragmented and less effective due to the absence of legal authority and a dedicated commission. He stated that the Senior Citizens Bill, alongside the Senior Citizens Commission, would act as the legal and institutional foundation for realizing the concept of ageing with dignity in Malaysia.
He explained that the proposed Bill would not only safeguard the rights and dignity of older persons from abuse, neglect, and exploitation but also ensure their access to healthcare, financial security, and social protection. It would also define clear responsibilities for government agencies, civil society, and families, while providing legal mechanisms for older persons to seek justice.
Regarding the proposed establishment of the Senior Citizens Commission, Lee remarked on its importance for monitoring the enforcement of the Bill once it becomes an Act, overseeing standards of care at residential care homes, and serving as the official voice of older persons at the highest levels of policymaking.
He noted that older persons have significantly contributed to the nation's development, and it is the moral responsibility of all parties to ensure they are not marginalised as they age. Lee concluded by stating, "We must act decisively now to prepare for the demographic changes ahead. Protecting and empowering older persons is not merely a policy choice; it is a moral responsibility and a hallmark of a caring society."