PETALING JAYA: The eldest daughter of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has accepted the invitation to be the international patron for World Mental Health Day.
Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan Al Sultan Abdullah’s appointment was recommended by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other United Nations agencies.
As an international patron, Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan Al-Sultan Abdullah has called on people and governments to come together as investing in mental health is the responsibility of everyone.
Tengku Puteri Iman said the pandemic has brought great disruptions and immense challenges across the globe, adding that the uncertainty and major changes have a considerable impact on mental health.
"With mental health now at the forefront, the pandemic has increased the pressure to address both pre-existing and newer issues. There has also been no shortage of coverage on staying mentally healthy - why it is important, how it can be done, and how we can support one another,” she said.
Tengku Puteri Iman added that the simple act of asking a loved one “how are you” is no longer underestimated.
"In some ways, Covid-19 has broken barriers and created more awareness on mental health, and we must ensure that these conversations continue in the post-pandemic 'new normal'," said Tengku Puteri Iman in her message.
Tengku Puteri Iman also mentioned that sentiments on mental health are changing in Malaysia as there is more of a push for a holistic, whole-of-society approach to mental health.
"With efforts to decriminalise suicide underway back home (in Malaysia), we are beginning to see some recognition that investments in mental health should also be made by those beyond the mental health community.
"Such investments need not be economic or financial, groundbreaking or revolutionary.
"Rather, these investments are of our time, attention, love and compassion, all of which can be done out of our own goodwill," she said.
Tengku Puteri Iman said her work thus far has focused on kick-starting the much needed conversation in Malaysia on how to shape a more attentive and compassionate society.
She said she is honoured to work alongside WFMH and its partners to bring this conversation to the global stage.
"As the Covid-19 pandemic is forcing the entire world to reset and rebuild for a better tomorrow, it is my hope that we too pause and reflect on what we would like our future to be," she said.
Tengku Puteri Iman’s appointment as the International Patron is also a testament to Malaysia’s efforts towards raising awareness on mental health, its treatment and policy challenges being recognised by the WHO.
Her Royal Patronage will run until October 2021.
To commemorate World Mental Health Day 2020 in Malaysia which falls on Oct 10, Tengku Puteri Iman is calling for everyone to wear a green ribbon in support of mental health.
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