THE Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) is in the midst of finding an alternative mechanism that is suitable and effective to tackle mental health issues before a proposal to decriminalise attempted suicide can be tabled to cabinet.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law) Liew Vui Keong said this was being done by studying different mechanism models in several Commonwealth countries.
“As soon as the study is completed, a policy proposal will be prepared to be tabled to the cabinet for approval.
“If approved, a bill to amend the Penal Code to decriminalise suicide attempts in Malaysia will be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat.
“Looking at the AGC’s development right now, I hope to table the bill by the middle of 2020 at the soonest,” the minister said.
Liew said soon after he announced the plan to decriminalise suicide attempts earlier this year, the AGC had begun studying the matter and looking into ways to implement a progressive approach in a holistic manner.
He said the AGC had also held engagement sessions with various stakeholders, including the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry, psychiatrists’ associations, Befrienders, as well as religious associations to get their feedback. – Bernama, December 30, 2019.
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