COMMENT | In late 2021, the Malaysian government made plans to amend its Employment Act, introducing paternity leave, extending maternity leave and allowing flexible working hours.

It did so to comply with standards required by the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, the Malaysia-United States Labour Consistency Plan and the International Labour Organisation.

The proposed bill introduces just three days of paternity leave, presupposing that husbands will not be fully immersed in the responsibilities — and joy — of caring for a newborn.

By comparison, in 109 countries with a national policy on paid paternity leave, fathers received an average of...