Janet Ang on Maintenance of Parents (Amendment) Bill

For Singaporeans, filial piety has been the bedrock of families and society for continued happiness, prosperity and progress for the country, said NMP Janet Ang. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (Jul 4), she pointed out that financial contribution is but one way to practise filial piety. Even more important is the practice of giving time to accompany parents, listen to their stories, show care and concern, and journey with them as they age. She said the proposed amendments accord the Tribunal the discretion to deny the parents maintenance eligibility if there is sufficient evidence to suggest that they have abused their children. It also sets out the process of bringing about reconciliation to ensure that the children do not abandon their responsibility to support their parents’ basic needs.