Default Approvals for Uncontested Deputyship Applications from Spouse or Children of Individuals Assessed to be Lacking in Mental Capacity

3 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Ministry will consider under the simplified track to grant default approvals for uncontested deputyship applications from the spouse or children of individuals who are assessed as lacking mental capacity; and (b) If not, what are the reasons for not implementing this approach.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social and Family Development (Mr Eric Chua) (for the Minister for Social and Family Development): Mr Speaker, the Court today can already approve a Deputyship application without a hearing, if it is uncontested.

Mr Speaker: Very good. Mr Yip Hon Weng.

Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang): I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for his very quick answer. I am heartened to know that this option is already available today. How can the Government increase awareness of this option as many may not know and how long will this process take?

Mr Eric Chua: Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for his supplementary question. Like him, I am concerned about the awareness as well as update, of not just the awareness of the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPAs) but also relevant instruments. So, rest assured that we will continue to work with Government agencies as well as community groups to make sure that awareness and take-up of these instruments are enhanced in future.