A SEPARATE ministry for senior citizens on the face of it might sound something that is attractive and acceptable.
This is light of Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Dr Fuziah Salleh having insulted elderly couples by allegedly implying that “some can live by RM100/month”.
Considering the aging population of the country is on the rise, there are expectations that a separate full-fledged ministry for senior citizens might be something needed.
Some have expressed support for the idea of a ministry while there are detractors who argue that a separate ministry might end up duplicating the efforts of other ministries.
Looking into the welfare and well-being of senior citizens is something significant. It is the obligation of the state to care for their well-being given their past contributions.
I am not saying that a separate ministry at this juncture will be able to comprehensively examine the various dimensions of the needs of the senior citizens.
Cutting care for the aged red tape
Those who are calling for the establishment of a separate ministry might think that such an effort will be able to streamline the government services to the aged.
Editor’s Note: Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin had on Tuesday (Aug 26) proposed the establishment of a dedicated ministry to take care and address all of its challenges related to senior citizens.
The PKR strategy director had contended that since many young people are getting married later or some do not even want to get married at all, there should be a proper strategy to deal with the situation.
Even without a centralised ministry, the multiple services offered by the government by way of different departments seem to be problematic as Fuziah’s misinterpretation on the hardship and need of elderly Malaysians has shown.
Essentially, if there is political will, the present provision of services to senior citizens can be improved and rendered effective.
The creation of a centralised ministry is not the solution so long as the government seeks to increase the bureaucratisation of the services to the aged.
Isn’t it better for the social and welfare services of the government to make a comprehensive study of the need for a minister for the senior citizens of the country considering that they might not be a tiny minority in two decades or so?
The Malaysian government should not put the cart before the horse. The common propensity to create something without a proper or serious study must be avoided at all costs.
A ministry might be necessary at some point in time. The question is whether it is necessary at the moment. – Aug 28, 2025
Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
