We refer to the statement by Pendang Member of Parliament, Awang Hashim, who requested that the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Johari Abdul, consider issuing a directive for bipolar screening to be conducted on Members of Parliament during the parliamentary sitting on February 12, 2026.
Prior to this, Awang had called for all MPs to undergo health screenings, including mental health screenings. Efforts to introduce health screenings including mental health assessment reflect responsible governance and sustainable economic policy.
Elected representatives should lead by example in prioritising health and well-being, including mental health, as part of their commitment to effective public services.
However, the use of clinical terms such as bipolar disorder in a cynical or mocking manner is irresponsible. It distorts public understanding of mental health conditions and reinforces stigma surrounding mental health.
A diagnosis of mental health disorders should not be used as a form of political insult and should not be weaponised in parliamentary debate.
Mental health is recognised globally as a public health priority. Mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder are serious public health issues that require comprehensive evaluation by professional medical teams in clinical assessment, evidence-based treatment, and the lived experiences of individuals who require care, support, understanding, and empathy. It should never be trivialised or reduced to political rhetoric.
Bipolar disorder (or any mental health diagnosis) is a medical term, and when it is misused in public discourse, it has the potential to:
- Normalise ridicule and dehumanisation of people living with mental health conditions.
- Discourage people from seeking early help.
- Reinforce a culture of shame, silence, and discrimination.
- Undermine national advocacy efforts to advance mental health awareness, prevention, and care.
Language shapes public attitudes. As community leaders, elected representatives carry a moral and social responsibility to use accurate terminology, sensitivity and base their arguments on facts when discussing mental health issues.
A mature public discourse should promote education, understanding, empathy and support, not reinforce stigma, as described in the Content Forum’s Disability-inclusive Language Guidelines.
Stigma and discrimination against people with mental health conditions must end. They violate basic human rights, restrict access to health care, education and employment, and deepen social exclusion. For many individuals, the burden of stigma is worse than the condition itself.
Mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder are legitimate medical conditions. They are not metaphors for erratic behaviour, nor should they be reduced to jokes or used as insults.
Individuals with lived experience of these conditions are fully capable of functioning well in their communities, workplaces, and public life when they have access to early intervention, appropriate treatment, and sustained psychosocial support.
Many are professionals, leaders, caregivers, and changemakers, especially when they are supported by inclusive systems. Using mental health conditions as insults reinforces discrimination and ignores the reality of recovery, resilience, and meaningful contribution.
We must replace the narrative that mental health conditions are permanent barriers to functioning or productivity with one grounded in evidence, dignity, and lived experience.
We call on all parties, particularly political leaders and policymakers, to:
- Use responsible, accurate terminology when discussing mental health.
- Invest in evidence-based public education that reduces stigma.
- Strengthen access to quality mental health and psychosocial support services.
- Commit to building a Parliament and society that upholds dignity, ensures inclusion and leads with compassion.
The Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance stands firm in advancing systemic reform and accountable leadership in mental health. We will continue to advocate for stronger policies, accessible services and inclusive institutions that treat mental health with the seriousness, dignity and humanity it deserves.
Endorsed by:
- Mind Brew
- Organisation for Addiction Prevention Treatment and Recovery (OAPTAR)
- Mental Health Association of Sarawak
- North South Initiative
- Sarawak OKU Skills Development Association (SOSDA)
- Atma Psychology and Training Centre
- Sarawak AIDS Concern Society (SACS)
- SIUMAN Collective
- The OKU Rights Matter Project
- Ch’ng B’ao Zhong, autistic adult, licensed and registered counsellor, psychology officer
- Adrian Pereira, executive director, Migrants Refugee Rights Advocacy
- Nur Syafiqa Hazirah Razali, co-chair, Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance, bipolar disorder survivor
- Yuenwah San, co-founder and member, The OKU Rights Matter Project
- S. Munirah Alatas, independent scholar, writer and researcher
- Azizi Ahmadi, accredited trainer, bipolar disorder survivor
- Laura Kho, founder, Mind Brew, lived experience advocate
- Dr Faridhil Athrash Sallehan, medical doctor, mental health advocate and founder, Atma Psychology and Training Centre
- Muhammad Amin Abdul Wahap, mental health advocate, Manager, Atma Psychology and Training Centre
- Muhammad Azfar Abdul Halim, mental health advocate and head counsellor, Atma Psychology and Training Centre
- Iszati Afiqah, mental health advocate and head clinical psychologist, Atma Psychology and Training Centre
- Boon Eu, neurodivergent medical officer (ADHD, dyslexia, Irlen Syndrome)
- Dr Amar-Singh HSS, consultant paediatrician, child disability activist, person with dyslexia
- Shahareen Begum Abdul Subhan, co-deputy chairperson and member, Bar Council Persons With Disabilities Committee
- Jernell Tan, Mental Health Advocate, co-founder and advocacy lead, Mental Health Aid Association (NYAWA)
- Hasbeemasputra Abu Bakar, disabled human rights defender with bipolar disorder, Community Engagement (SIUMAN Collective)
- Yuwana Podin, vice president, Sarawak AIDS Concern Society (SACS) and exco, Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC)
The Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance is a coalition of civil society organisations, lived experience groups and professionals working across health, governance and social development to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in Sarawak. It promotes evidence informed policy, inclusive systems and accountable leadership that upholds dignity and human rights.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
