Don Wee on Maintenance of Parents (Amendment) Bill

The traditional Asian concept of filial piety faces fresh challenges from the financial realities of today. In an ageing society, children have to support their parents through a longer period of old age even as they strive to provide for their own families and their own retirement becomes an issue of concern. Making this point in Parliament on Tuesday (Jul 4), MP Don Wee called for a return to fundamentals by ensuring that values of responsibility and care for elders and the importance of financial planning are instilled in children from a young age. He proposed that this be covered in the school curriculum, as “education plays a pivotal role in shaping the moral compass of our society”. However, he also highlighted the importance of fostering a sense of community care and establishing support networks so that no family or child is overwhelmed by the financial obligations of supporting ageing parents. Mr Wee also encouraged open dialogues among family members to discuss their financial situations, expectations and concerns.