Appointment of and applications by Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents
12.—(1)  The Minister may appoint —
(a)a Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents; and
(b)such number of Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners for the Maintenance of Parents as he may consider necessary,
on such terms and conditions as the Minister may determine.
(2)  The Commissioner may make an application under this Act on behalf of an applicant of or above 60 years of age (whether or not the applicant is able to do so) or represent such applicant in any proceedings or appeal under this Act.
(3)  The Commissioner may consult, or direct a Deputy Commissioner or an Assistant Commissioner or such other person as he thinks fit to consult, with the parents and children concerned in order to assist them to reach agreement by conciliation.
[37/2010 wef 15/03/2011]
(4)  Notwithstanding that a person is below the minimum age specified in subsection (2), the Commissioner may, in his discretion, make an application on his behalf or represent him if the Commissioner is satisfied that he is suffering from infirmity of mind or body which prevents him from maintaining or makes it difficult for him to maintain himself or if there is any other special reason.
(5)  Where a claim of a parent has been referred to the Commissioner under section 3(2A), the Commissioner shall review the claim and may do all or any of the following:
(a)refer the parent to any relevant Government or other agency for assistance;
(b)refer the differences between the parent and his children for conciliation;
(c)take such other measure as he thinks fit.
[37/2010 wef 15/03/2011]
(6)  If a claim has not been settled after referral to the relevant Government or other agency or for conciliation or any other measure taken under subsection (5), an application may be made to the Tribunal under section 3.
[37/2010 wef 15/03/2011]
(7)  The Commissioner may, by notice in writing, require any person to appear at any reasonable time and at any convenient place for the purposes of conciliation under subsection (5)(b), and any failure by the person to appear as required may be taken into consideration by the Tribunal when hearing and determining the relevant application for maintenance, in such manner as to the Tribunal seems proper.
[37/2010 wef 15/03/2011]
(8)  The Commissioner may generally do all such things as may be incidental to or consequential upon the discharge of his functions or the exercise of his powers under this Act.
[37/2010 wef 15/03/2011]