The Malaysian Mental Health Association is delighted to learn that the AGC is recommending the abolition of Section 309 of the Penal Code.
Malaysian Mental Health Association and the Green Ribbon Group started this discussion on the need to decriminalise suicidal attempts which subsequently snowballed into a movement in the form of the National Coalition for Mental Wellbeing , causing law makers to take note of the concern.
The AGC’s recommendation being brought to the cabinet for decision leading to introduction of a bill in parliament is an indication of the government’s seriousness on the matter. Indeed, it is a feather in the cap for the Ismail Sabri administration.
MMHA is confident that parliamentarians on both sides of the fence will do the needful as the true conscience keepers of the nation. After all, almost all persons who attempt suicide should be seen as victims of their psychological state rather than perpetrators of a crime.
MMHA also wishes to highlight the fact that there are adequate provisions in the various sections of the Mental Health Act 2001 to deal with attempted suicide in an appropriate manner without the need to resort to Section 309 of the Penal Code.
Dato’ Dr Andrew Mohanraj
President, Malaysian Mental Health Association
Policy Advisor, Green Ribbon Group
Member, National Coalition for Mental Wellbeing ,Malaysia
Dr. Andrew Mohanraj 