The National Family Policy (NFP) - Towards a Balance Life

The National Family Policy (NFP) is seen as the benchmark step towards achieving a balance life (The National Population and Family Development Board of Malaysia, 2010). However, some people say it is easier said than done! Formulating a policy is one thing, but implementing and executing it is another. 

How far does this policy is taken seriously in term of implementing and executing it in the private sector. As a matter of fact, how many agencies or companies really making an effort in taking steps in-line with this policy. There are still issues that needs our attention. For example, compassionate leave for the death of our loved ones, flexible working hours, working from home, commuters couples issues, lack of nursery facility in the office, no lactation room available for nursing mothers and many others that needs to be look into. All of these issues will not come to any solutions if there is no cooperation between the government and the corporate sectors.

I personally believes that as we are living in a growing nation, our needs change. We no longer work simply for a paycheck at the end of every months in making a li ing but we need a quality one. The government had taken the first step of action by developing this policy but it is up to us to be self-aware of what we want. For ourself, our family and for the nation as a whole. We need to take the next steps towards this actualization.

Anyway, lets take a peek on what the policy is all about:-

The National Family Policy (NFP)

In 2010, the Government announced a new policy to be implemented focusing in mainstreaming the family perspective. National Family Policy is prioritising family perspective in all socio-economic development efforts to ensure quality generations. The goal is to develop prosperous, healthy and resilient families to ensure social stability.

Family is a fundamental social unit that provides human capital for development and ensures the continuity of future generations. In this regard, the family must be strengthened, enriched and empowered with up-to-date knowledge, skills and expertise.

The National Family Policy (NFP) supports and complements existing policies such as the National Social Policy, National Policy on Women and the National Child Policy. In addition, this policy also refers specifically to Malaysia's international commitments such as those ratified under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and  the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

The accompanying National Family Policy Action Plan (NFPAP) details actions that need to be taken by government agencies, NGOs, academicians, the private sector and other members of the society. In this regard, the NFP will be translated into strategies, programmes and activities to facilitate effective implementation. The NFPAP covers the main sectors which focused on:

1.  A total and holistic direction for family wellbeing
2. The family as the most fundamental unit provides the platform for human capital development that will propel the development of a nation. Hence, policies, programs, services, protection and the supporting infrastructure to empower families through their inherent strengths will be developed to create high quality and moral integrity human capital.
3. Formation and strengthening of the family institution in terms of family relationships, economy, career and lifestyle in order to improve stability, harmony and well-being.
4.  Efforts to guide and nurture the skills for families to inculcate and practice good moral and family values.
5. Efforts to strengthen inter-generational ties.
6. Human rights and equality where focus will be applied to laws and policies that ensure protection and security, and establish a culture of gender equality in the family.Increasing the commitment and social responsibility of all parties to implement family-friendly policies and programs.
7. Enhancing the implementation of family wellbeing programs for different family structures and high risk families.
8. Human capital development and K-Family: Commitment and social responsibility of all parties will be enhanced and expanded to provide facilities for family members to better themselves. 

Reference:

The National Family Policy (NFP)

National Population and Family Development Board

Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development of Malaysia