Lianhe Zaobao, 6 Mar

Voices, Pg 25

We thank Mr Lee Yong Hwa for his letter (“CPF account of paralysed elderly woman frozen”, 28 February).

We empathise with the difficult situation that Mr Lee is in and would like to clarify that it is definitely not our intention to add to his distress.

Upon receiving Mrs Lee’s application to withdraw her CPF savings, we had written to confirm her intention as part of our authentication checks. It was only then that we learnt from Mr Lee about his wife’s medical condition.

When the Board is made aware that a member could lack the mental capacity to handle monies, we would temporarily cease the member’s CPF payments while we verify the member’s mental condition by requesting a medical certification. This is to help our members safeguard their savings and prevent fraudulent withdrawals. In Mrs Lee’s case, we helped to arrange for a house-call medical examination for her to obtain the medical certification after informing Mr Lee why we have ceased the CPF payments.

Under the Mental Capacity Act, only a donee or deputy can act on behalf of members who lack mental capacity. We have therefore requested Mr Lee to provide a Lasting Power of Attorney, or a Court Order where a deputy is appointed to act on members’ behalf, before any CPF withdrawals or payments are allowed.

We will reach out to Mr Lee to explain the matter and render further assistance on the process. We are also working with the relevant agencies to explore further options to help Mr Lee.

Irene Kang (Ms)

Group Director (Communications)

Central Provident Fund Board