Importance of ‘Sarawak connection’ in adoption process discussed

KUCHING: The Ministry of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development acknowledges that many issues on adoption in the state are related to the scope of the statute itself.

“The Adoption Ordinance is meant for adoption in Sarawak and one that has ‘ the Sarawak connection’.

To establish that connection, inconsistent interpretation could happen,” said the ministry’s permanent secretary Dr Saadiah Abdul Samat at the closing ceremony of a twoday (Aug 22 and 23) Sarawak Adoption Guideline Workshop here yesterday.

The workshop was held to make a uniform guideline for all related agencies in Sarawak to follow when dealing with adoption-related issues.

“When the ‘Sarawak connection’ does not exist, applicants would feel frustrated as the existing Standard Operation Procedures ( SOP) at the district office would end the consultation process with a rejection, in most cases, without a competent advice on the alternative route and or the next course of action to address the issue at hand,” she said.

An example is to advise parties without the Sarawak Connection to comply with the Adoption Act or the Sabah Adoption Ordinance when it is relevant in Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah respectively, she added.

She added that applicants were advised to get a relevant foreign consulate certification when a foreigner is involved. Such advice specified in the new SOP could cushion the emotion of the affected applications.

“Globalisation, mobility and development have changed the social landscape. People are now more mobile due to employment opportunities outside their hometowns or outside Sarawak; more foreigners and fellow Malaysians are coming to Sarawak.

“Hence, creating social challenges and issues related to relationships and the family institution leads to the need for adoption for various reasons.”

Statistics show that until Dec 31 last year, among the 4,098 personal identification applications from Malaysians who are residing in Sarawak, only 2,884 were approved. The other 1,214 applications were rejected due to the adoption issues. This shows the importance of adoption certificate.

Executive secretary of Social Development Council Dr Zufar Yadi Brendan Abdullah was also present at the press conference.