The need to protect our children

“I AM deeply saddened and troubled by the reports about an organisation that, while claiming to uphold Islamic welfare, has been implicated in the abuse and exploitation of children under its care. This is an example of behaviour that should not be exhibited by Muslims. It is our responsibility to embody the true values of Islam in our daily lives, including sincerity, honesty, trustworthiness, justice, unity and mutual respect.”

This was part of the royal address by Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir at the Maulidur Rasul celebration in Negri Sembilan, held at the Seremban Padang on Monday. It is indeed unfortunate that the Yang di-Pertuan Besar – and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong the following day – had to make reference to the cases of the serious mistreatment of children in care homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan at a time when Malaysians were celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, coinciding with Malaysia Day.