Beyond reconciliation: How the National Population and Family Development Board helps non-Muslim couples part ways peacefully

The National Population and Family Development Board's (LPPKN) Mediator Body Pilot Project seeks to extend its support beyond marriage reconciliation, now aiding non-Muslim couples in separating amicably while fulfilling their parental duties. Psychology officer and registered counsellor Dr Sarada Devi R. Subramaniam highlighted that the initiative empowers couples to make informed, mature decisions, emphasizing that their responsibilities as parents persist irrespective of marital status changes.

"We don’t force or persuade our clients. We simply give them the space to make mature decisions. You can separate as husband and wife, but you can’t separate as father and mother," she explained in a recent podcast episode discussing the project, titled "Bilik Tribunal: Tempat KASIH Diuji, Tempat KASIH Dicari." According to Dr Sarada Devi, the project's success is evaluated not only by the number of reconciliations but also by assisting those who opt for divorce to part ways amicably, maintaining financial support and involvement in their children's lives.

The Mediator Body Pilot Project, a collaboration between the National Registration Department (JPN) and LPPKN, offers counseling and intervention to non-Muslim couples experiencing marital strife, aiming to resolve conflicts before filing for divorce. By providing a confidential, neutral space for couples to discuss their concerns, the project strives to address underlying issues like communication problems, infidelity, financial difficulties, and external influences.

Dr Sarada Devi noted that marital strife often arises from communication breakdowns, infidelity, financial struggles, and biased family/friend advice. She assured that counsellors create a safe, judgment-free environment to help couples understand each other's emotional needs better—assessing love languages such as appreciation, affection, and quality time.

Counsellors also guide single individuals, such as those separated from foreign spouses, in navigating post-divorce finances, careers, and parenting responsibilities. Dr Sarada Devi advises couples to seek professional help before making marital decisions, encouraging participation in LPPKN programs like SMARTSTART to bolster marital preparedness.