The government has ignored too many reports on the need to improve the conditions and outlook for the elderly, said the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam). A new monitoring system has been mooted.

"Too many times, we have given reports to ministries and departments on the matter but it is ignored," said Suhakam commissioner Ramon Navaratnam (left) during the launch of its report on titled Ageing with Dignity: Rights of Older Persons.

The document is the product of a public forum held on March 12 last year which saw about 250 participants from government and non-governmental organizations, academics and other stakeholders discussing ways to improve the lives of the elderly.

"From now on, we will be keeping track and monitoring what the government does (on the issue)," he said during a launch of the report yesterday at Suhakam's office in Kuala Lumpur

Political power

Suhakam hopes that the government views seriously issues relating to the elderly, and that they be properly accounted for in the upcoming Ninth Malaysia Plan.

The backlash of not responding to the pleas of the elderly, said Ramon, will be seen in future general elections, as the elderly will not vote for a government that is not concerned about their welfare.

Those aged 60 and above currently make up about six percent of the population, or 1.1 million people. By 2020, experts estimate that numbers will reach 3.2 million or 11.3% of the projected population.

Suhakam is also requesting the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development to keep a register of senior citizen volunteers who are able and willing to serve society.

While the public sector needs to provide better social and medical treatment for the elderly, the private sector needs to also do their part, he added.

"Even in this building that houses Suhakam, for example, are the human rights of the elderly being protected?" asked Ramon in reference to the lack of ramps and other facilities for the elderly and the disabled.

Pharmaceutical companies, optical shops and supermarkets were cited as examples of private establishments that can contribute to the welfare of elderly by granting discounts on their products and services.

Others, such as banks, should consider giving higher deposit interest rates for those above 60 years old, said Ramon.

Health and welfare

President of Primary Care Doctors Organisation Malaysia Dr Molly Cheah Bee Li said that the catalyst for change lies with the relevant authorities.

Citing the separation between the welfare department under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and that of the Ministry of Health, Cheah said it was an example of a structural barrier to improving the lives of the elderly.

The two areas of health and welfare are intricately related, and this is especially true for older people, she said.

Likewise, Cheah added, the government's complacency in affecting change and improving the lives of their older citizens was reflected in the reluctance to adopt higher standards and targets.

The government appeared to have dragged their feet after having achieved most of the targets contained in the United Nations' Millenieum Development Goals for developing countries, said Cheah.

She cited the 'digital divide' as another instance of how the elderly in Malaysia had fallen behind the country's technological advancements.

This was especially true in the disadvantage of older persons who may not be as 'fast' in mastering computerized machines, cellular phones, and other sophisticated equipment, she said.