NATIONAL FAMILY POLICY BROUGHT TO CABINET

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- The National Family Policy and its action
plan aimed at strengthening the family institution, will be tabled in the
Cabinet for approval soon.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said
the proposal paper on the policy was in the final stages of preparation and it
was expected to be implemented this year.

"I'm confident that the National Family Policy and its action plan can be
submitted for consideration and government approval this year.

"The approval is crucial as the policy clearly states the responsibilities
of parents in ensuring that the family institution remains strong," he told
reporters after launching the Seminar on Family Institution Facing Current
Challenges organised by the Malaysian Islamic Understanding Institute (IKIM),
here Tuesday.

Shahrizat said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry had
conducted numerous workshops, seminars and discussions with various expert
groups to gather inputs in preparing the proposal paper for the policy.

"When the policy is approved later, we (the ministry) will state clearly to
the people on the formation of the family institution including the risks
involved in marrying late or refusing to get married at all which has become a
trend in the present society.
-- BERNAMA