I held a meeting with the Medico-Legal Society of Malaysia where we discussed the way forward in enacting a Mental Capacity Act in Malaysia. 

This new proposed legislation seeks to allow individuals to make early preparations in advance for the management of their affairs, such as advance medical directives, who may make legal decisions on their behalf, management of their property, using a lasting power of attorney, in the event they  ever become mentally incapacitated at any time in the future. These decisions can be made by the person in advance, before becoming mentally incapacitated. Countries such as the United Kingdom and Singapore have enacted similar legislation in 2005 and 2008, respectively. 

Moving forward, a workshop and engagement session will be held next month will all relevant stakeholders to discuss several issues related to this new legislation that must be ironed out before policy decisions can be made in this regard. 

This new proposed legislation is much needed to address various issues that are arising, and that will arise in the future, in an aging society. As such, we are committed to ensure the tabling of this legislation in Parliament.