PUTRAJAYA: The future of Asean should not just be defined by economic growth or digital progress but by how well its 200 million children are protected from violence today, says the Women, Family and Community Development Minister.
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (pic) cited the number from Unicef data, saying it represents roughly 30% of the Asean member states’ total population.
“These figures clearly demonstrate that the future of Asean rests in the hands of its children,” she said when opening the 9th Asean Child Forum here yesterday, which Malaysia is hosting for the first time.
The forum gathered child representatives aged 12 to 17 from each Asean member state to present recommendations on better protecting children against violence, supported by their facilitators.
Nancy said this forum serves as a platform for children to share their views, values and opinions, possibly to amend the Child Act wherever needed.
“We are not children, so we want to hear directly from them, their own voices. This is a very good opportunity for them to express how they feel and what they think should be done for their future,” she added.
“If we do not bring them in, we risk losing opportunities for them to shape the future.
“We no longer want to see violence against children. We have long spoken about eliminating violence against women, but now we are focusing on eliminating violence against children,” said Nancy, who noted that there were previously over 150 recommendations to review the Child Act, and that process is ongoing.
On the theme of the forum – “Shielding Asean Childhood: Say No to Violence” – she said it calls for a collective effort to ensure every child is raised in a safe, nurturing and empowering environment where their rights are protected, their voices are heard, and their potential can flourish.
“The theme also aligns with Asean’s commitment to finalise the Asean Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Children 2026 to 2035, which is scheduled to be endorsed during the 49th Asean Summit in the Philippines.
“Malaysia is deeply honoured to host this forum because we believe that child participation must never be reduced to a symbolic exercise. It must be the very cornerstone of our policymaking,” she added.
Separately, she reminded parents to continuously safeguard their children’s online privacy, particularly when sharing details about their lives publicly.
“Although action is not taken directly by the ministry, we share with parents so they know the risks (of exploitation) for themselves and their children,” she said during a press conference at the forum.
She added that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is also playing its part, while the ministry ensures engagement programmes with parents remain active.
“We have to continuously engage parents so they will be reminded. We don’t tell them personally but we remind them through online platforms and our own messages,” she said.
“As a mother and now a grandmother, I would urge all parents to always give priority to yourselves and your children. Remember, you must ensure privacy for your family.”
