Child marriage is a very serious issue and it has been happening in Malaysia right under our noses for a long time. Recently, with more and more cases being brought into the spotlight, the fight to end child marriage has been gaining a lot of traction and we hope one day Malaysia can finally get rid of this issue.
Perak Menteri Besar, Ahmad Faizal Azumu has recently voiced out his opinion and told Malay Mail that he is personally against child marriage, labelling the act as cruel because it will limit the potential growth in the life of the children, especially with so many opportunities available now.
Source: Malay Mail
“I am a Muslim and I understand that someone has the right to be married and marry when they have reached akil baligh (puberty). At the same time, I think parents of children under 18 have a duty to make their kids ready for independence. We must give them the highest education possible and the skills to take care of themselves instead of getting them married,” he elaborated.
“Today, at the age of 16 or lower, I think it is cruel to marry children off,” he added.
However, he clarified that this is his own personal opinion and does not represent the state government’s official stand. He then continued to say that children who are married will be forced to take care of their child even before they are ready.
Source: The Fiji Times
“For no reason, a young mother at the age of 16 or 17 could have to take care of her own child. Come on lah, we have to be respectful towards women,” he said.
Even though he knows that not everyone shares the same view and he has opened himself up for criticism, he still expressed that he truly feels child marriages have no place in our community today.
Do you agree with the Perak MB’s comment?
Also read: “Child Marriage Ban Cannot Be Accepted as it Goes Against Religious Teachings,” Says PAS VP
