Legislate the rights of elders

THANK you for highlighting the issue of elder neglect in “Abandoned and Pining for Family” (The Star, May 22). It is time that we take one step ahead in addressing this dilemma, instead of just endlessly discussing the pitiful conditions of our senior citizens who are neglected, abandoned and abused.

Local studies have found that eight to 10% of Malaysian elders reported having experienced maltreatment, and the commonest perpetrators were close family members (mainly children).

This figure has not taken into account unreported cases, indicating that the actual magnitude of elder abuse and neglect in our society is much higher. The news on May 22 merely reflects the tip of the iceberg, with many more cases of different forms of abuse – including physical violence – being hidden and unheard of.

One of the ways of addressing elder abuse and neglect is though legislation. There are several laws that might have direct and/or indirect application to older persons, but unlike our neighbouring countries – Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Singapore – we currently do not have one.

Just as we have the Child Act to protect children from mistreat ment, and the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) to deter violence against spouses (mainly wives), we need a specific act to safeguard our senior citizens from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The DVA is sometimes claimed to have the capacity to address elder abuse cases, but the fact is that it is neither adequate nor specific to the conditions of older adults and dynamics of elder abuse. Without clear and functioning legislation, it is difficult to advance the rights of these elders, safeguard their welfare and bring perpetrators of abuse to justice.

If we continue with this wishy washy attitude towards the suffering of our senior citizens, we will have no one to blame when we get old one day and experience a similar fate. Protecting the wellbeing and dignity of our elders is not only a question of conscience or morality, but also a matter of upholding human rights and justice.

DR RAUDAH YUNUS, DR NORAN NAQIAH HAIRI, DR CHOO WAN YUEN, DR FARIZAH HAIRI, DR SITI ZAHARAH JAMALUDDIN, DR SAJARATULNISAH OTHMAN Prevent Elderly Abuse and Neglect Initiative (PEACE) team Julius Centre, Universiti Malaya