The regulatory regime for human embryonic stem cell (HESC) research in Malaysia : a critique

Stem cell research is a scientific breakthrough which has the potential to revolutionise the practice of medicine which will in future improve the quality and length of life of patients. Scientists hypothesise that stem cell therapy will become the basis for treating a number of devastating diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and heart disease. Given the promise of stem cell therapies, scientists throughout the world are conducting the research using different types of stem cells including human embryonic stem cells (HESC), and adult stem cells. HESC research is controversial as all extractions of stem cells involve the destruction of the human embryo. In view of its contentious nature, the research should be strictly regulated. In this article, there is a critique of the current regulation of HESC research in Malaysia and it considers whether the Malaysian government should adopt an effective regulatory framework to govern the research.