KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 – A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has issued a statement expressing its “deep concern” in response to the announcement that the tabling of the Social Work Profession Bill will be postponed to next year.
Earlier this week, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Nancy Shukri said that the bill will not be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat this year.
“We are facing some technical issues, everybody wants to be included in it,” she was quoted as saying in The Star.
“After over a decade of discussions, this critical piece of legislation remains pending despite its pivotal role in professionalising social work and ensuring better protection and support for vulnerable communities, especially children and the most vulnerable among us,” according to the CSO Platform for Reform, a coalition of more than 60 CSOs focusing on institutional reform in Malaysia.
The coalition said that the bill, which has been in the pipeline for more than 10 years, is essential for formalising the responsibilities, training, and ethical standards of social workers.
“This prolonged delay has significantly impeded the ability of social workers to provide effective services and care, especially for children, the elderly, and marginalised communities.”
In its statement, the coalition said the needs of these groups should be prioritised as they are the most vulnerable.
“This bill represents the first, most essential step towards protecting them through professionalised social work,” said the CSO Platform for Reform.
“It is alarming that while the need for professional social work services is rising, the legislation remains stalled.”
The coalition said the continued delay also draws attention to the larger issue of collective inaction in strengthening social welfare systems.
“We haven’t done enough, and this bill should mark the beginning of setting a standard for safeguarding those in need.”
Passing the bill would professionalise the social work sector and expand the health care system, enabling it to be more responsive to those with mental health problems, said the coalition.
“Currently, the system falls short in supporting individuals who may not fall into the most extreme categories but still require vital mental health assistance,” it said, adding that it was imperative for the bill to address such shortcomings to ensure comprehensive care.
The coalition added that extensive advocacy and recommendations from professionals, social workers, and civil society have gone unheeded for far too long.
“This legislation is vital for establishing professional standards and recognising social work as a legitimate profession in Malaysia.
“The government must demonstrate the same level of commitment and urgency it has shown in other legislative matters.
“This bill is not just an administrative tool but a necessary step towards safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of the most vulnerable members of our society.”
The coalition called on the government to prioritise the tabling of the Social Work Profession Bill and ensure it is passed without further delay.
It urged the government to streamline consultations to avoid unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that contribute to prolonged delays in reform.
Additionally, the coalition said that the crucial role that social workers play in strengthening social welfare systems and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly in times of crisis and as contributors to the national economy and well-being, must be recognised.
“(We) urgently call on the government to bring this long standing bill to be tabled in this sitting and to stop making excuses.
“We will continue to push for accountability and transparency in the legislative process to ensure that critical reforms, such as the Social Work Profession Bill, do not continue to languish at the expense of the public’s well being.”
