Yip Hon Weng on Maintenance of Parents (Amendment) Bill

This legislation may be perceived as an “unfortunate necessity”, acknowledging the sad reality that extreme cases of elder neglect or abuse do exist in Singapore, said MP Yip Hon Weng. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (Jul 4), he pointed out that in such distressing cases, the state needs to provide avenues for justice for parents who have selflessly devoted themselves to raising their children. Similarly, the state has a responsibility to provide justice for people who have suffered at the hands of their parents. He said it is important to recognise that this Bill does not address the underlying issue at its core - the weakening family ties and diminished perception of the importance of reciprocating parents' love and care. He stressed the need to reinforce in children the importance of honouring their parents. Responsible parenting also plays a significant role in shaping children into model citizens, he said. Mr Yip urged parents to spend quality time with their children and provide emotional support. Strengthening the bonds between parents and children will build a foundation of trust and love within families, as well as reduce the likelihood of strained relationships that may need legal interventions, he added. Mr Yip also sought clarifications on the Bill. He wanted to know what additional services or processes are available to assist people in providing evidence of neglect or abuse without a police or social welfare report, and how else they can substantiate claims of ill-treatment. He also asked how the Tribunal will determine a reasonable amount of support for parents to prevent potentially excessive claims. He said this is significant for the sandwiched class, who may already face challenges in raising their own children. He stressed the need to strike a balance between adequate support for the parents and avoiding any abuse of the system.