Thread by @LimYiWei4MY

1. In Malaysia, the majority of law and policy-making is concentrated at the Federal level. As a first-term backbencher, I found it challenging to see where the Selangor State Government can form policies that help within our jurisdiction.

2. The challenge, or opportunity came in the form of single mothers seeking help from our office. Very quickly we noticed a trend: they were often sidelined from government aid because they had not officially divorced, thus being unable to apply for single mother benefits.

3. Instead of "ibu tunggal", we had "ibu tinggal": women whose husbands left but weren't divorced officially. Some of their aid were registered under their husbands' bank accounts. I brought this up in 1 of the DUN sittings: m.facebook.com/story.php?stor…

4. From this and other employment-related cases such as sudden firings during Covid-19, YB @michellengms and I mooted the idea of the Selangor Bar providing legal aid for these cases and to expand the existing Yayasan Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan (YBGK) parameters.

5. During our meeting with the Malaysia Bar Council, then under the presidency of Mr. Salim Bashir, the Bar suggested that the Selangor State Government set up a legal aid fund, and the Selangor Bar Council would consider assisting in providing lawyers.

6. So it began: mooting the idea to YB EXCO @ganabatirau1; meetings w/ agencies, Selangor Bar, etc. And here we are with the Selangor State now having launched our Legal Aid Fund which will benefit families with an income less than RM3,000.

7. The fund will cover family and employment issues, as well as cases of public interest as decided by the committee. #DanaBantuanGuamanSelangor

8. As a non-lawyer & systems-oriented person, my approach is surgical: keep things simple. It's been a joy working w/ @michellengms; our strengths & weaknesses have complemented each other through this journey. Thanks also to YB @ganabatirau1 for being so receptive and (cont)...

9. ...all officers for their support. Selangor Bar, we can't wait to work further with you.

May Selangorians benefit from this latest policy. More reading: freemalaysiatoday.com/category/natio…

#KitaSelangor
#KgTunkuCares