Dr. Andrew Mohanraj

MMHA president Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj said the eventual abolishment of the Act will eventually inspire mental and emotional sufferers to seek help, which could potentially save their lives.

He said the conversation on decriminalising suicide attempts was initially kicked off by MMHA, the Malaysian Psychiatric Association and the Green Ribbon Group.

“However, the momentum that turned this conversation into a national movement was picked up by the National Coalition of Mental Wellbeing, which then caught the lawmakers’ attention.

“At the moment, we know that there have been recommendations by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) on the decriminalisation, and there will be several more steps until it is made reality.

“We are happy about the Deputy Health Minister II’s announcement yesterday, but we must maintain the momentum while respecting the process,” he told New Straits Times.

Dr Andrew said apart from the abolishment, another aspect that should be highlighted is how the authorities should deal with those who intend to resort to suicide.

He said that initially, with the existence of the Mental Health Act 2001 and Mental Health Regulations 2010, there was no urgent need for the judicial system to resort to Section 309.

“There are enough provisions as well as comprehensive framework in the Mental Health Act 2001 on how to deal with such a delicate situation, such as suicide attempts, humanely.

“The Act has given the authorities powers to bring a person attempting or deemed suicidal to the psychiatric unit, or medical unit for assessment, treatment and management.

“As far as the application of Section 309 is concerned, we need to understand that the country’s judicial system has always tampered justice with mercy, as it was hardly ever used, previously, when it comes to suicide attempts,” he said.

Dr Andrew however noted that with the rise of suicide cases since the Covid-19 pandemic, the associations were concerned that Section 309 might be used.

He said the possible application of the Act is concerning as it only meant that the sufferers’ underlying conditions would not be properly treated.

“The justice system has always been fair and compassionate but because we wanted further protection for these sufferers. That is why it is best to let the process take over and let Parliament decide on the abolishment.”

This abolishment, he said, will inspire more people, especially those who needed psychological help, to come out and talk about their pain while seeking help.

“It would even potentially bring down the suicide rates because attention is brought to such life-and-death situations.

“This is why, if the abolishment is to happen, it will also inspire society to learn how to handle such delicate situations, and potentially save precious lives.

“At the end of the day, somebody who is keeping it within themselves and planning their attempts in silence could use a moment to talk about their pain, be heard, and be helped.”