National Study to Shape New Male Empowerment Framework Under Malaysia’s 13th Plan

PUTRAJAYA, July 2 — The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) will begin a nationwide 18-month study this month to develop a comprehensive framework aimed at strengthening the role of Malaysian men in families and society under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

The initiative, known as the National Gentleman Men Study (Kajian Lelaki Budiman Negara), is intended to provide evidence-based recommendations for programmes and policies that promote responsible, resilient and socially conscious men capable of contributing positively to family well-being and national development.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the study marks one of the ministry’s key efforts to better understand the evolving challenges faced by men in modern society.

Speaking at the Men’s Empowerment Consultative Forum organised by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), Nancy said the consultation process would gather perspectives from government agencies, industry representatives, academics, professionals, civil society organisations and community stakeholders.

She said the forum adopts a Public-Private-People Partnership approach to ensure that future initiatives are developed through broad collaboration rather than government intervention alone.

According to Nancy, discussions held during the consultation will help identify pressing issues affecting men, highlight successful intervention models and strengthen cooperation among organisations involved in family and community development.

The findings and recommendations generated through the study and consultation process will form an important evidence base for future government policies and programmes focusing on male empowerment.

Nancy stressed that empowering men should extend beyond leadership roles and economic participation to include emotional resilience, mental well-being, responsible decision-making and the ability to fulfil family responsibilities effectively.

She noted that many Malaysian men, particularly young fathers, are navigating increasingly complex pressures arising from rising living costs, financial commitments, career demands and changing family dynamics.

In addition to balancing work and family responsibilities, many parents are also facing the challenges of raising children in an environment heavily influenced by digital media and rapidly changing social expectations.

“Many men are expected to lead their families without adequate support. Today’s challenges require not only physical strength but also emotional resilience, effective parenting skills and good mental health,” she said.

Nancy also highlighted the establishment of the Men’s Empowerment Network (MEN), a collaborative platform bringing together government agencies, non-governmental organisations, academics, professionals and community representatives to coordinate programmes and advocacy related to male development.

She said the network was initiated through a stakeholder engagement meeting on April 30 involving 18 organisations focused on men’s empowerment.

Beyond serving as a collaborative platform, the MEN initiative is expected to support the development of the National Gentleman Men agenda by encouraging greater respect for women, shared family responsibilities, stronger mental well-being and ethical leadership among Malaysian men.

Meanwhile, LPPKN chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the nationwide study will involve respondents from every state to ensure that its findings accurately reflect the experiences and needs of men across Malaysia.

She added that the consultation process will continue through a series of engagement programmes nationwide, with MEN working alongside partner organisations to expand outreach activities and develop future community-based initiatives.

–wilayah.com.my

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