In a memorandum to Human Resources Minister M Kula Segaran, the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) said the current proposal for three days, although encouraging, was not enough.

“We are very happy that there are plans to amend the Employment Act to include three days of paternity leave (for the private sector), but upon reflection and sharing with people in the community, there is very clear and resounding feedback that three days is simply not enough,” WAO chief executive Sumitra Visvanathan said in a press conference after a demonstration outside the Parliament building.

The gathering saw about 50 people carrying placards reading “7 Days for Dads” and “#BagiBapaCuti”.

The memorandum was received by Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh.

Sumitra said many were in favour of longer paternity leave, and that the government should meet their demand.

“Introducing paternity leave also sends the message that caregiving is a shared responsibility,” she added.

“Such changes in social norms would help women stay in the workforce.”

She said an online petition begun by WAO had gathered some 39,000 signatures since the campaign was launched in June.

Kula said the suggestions for seven-day leave would be considered but that the proposal for three days was still awaiting Cabinet approval.

“We take note of what you have said and we share your sentiments,” he said, adding that it had not been easy getting employers to agree to even the existing proposal.

However, he said he would raise the issue to the Cabinet, which would make the final decision.

Fathers working in the private sector are not entitled to any paternity leave at the moment.