Discussing animal welfare issues in the hallowed halls of Parliament

ON Aug 5, I found myself walking through the gates of the Parliament Building not as a politician or VIP but simply as a rakyat who cares deeply about a cause that is too often overlooked – the lives of stray animals in our country, and the people who live among them, namely the feeders, rescuers, animal lovers and, yes, even those who fear or dislike them.

I was there as part of the Alliance of Malaysia Animal NGOs (Aman). We had been invited to meet with Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who generously opened her office to hear about the challenges we face in animal welfare advocacy, where we are today, and what we hope to achieve in the future.

More importantly, she offered to support our awareness and education campaigns - something we believe is crucial if we are to move hearts and minds.

While we were there, Wong Chen (MP for Subang), despite his packed schedule, made time to sit with us. This was not our first encounter; we had met him and other MPs last year, and since then, we have continued to keep in touch with his office.

To us, that continuity means a lot. It tells us that although animal welfare may not always be seen as urgent, there are politicians who are willing to listen and give their support.

What struck me most during these conversations was how personal they became. Azalina spoke not only as a minister but also as a fellow pet owner, sharing the struggles of caring for both elderly, sickly animals and hyper young ones.

Wong Chen, on the other hand, was candid in saying what we already know but often find hard to accept - that animal welfare is not a top priority for the government when stacked against pressing human issues like poverty, family struggles and economic growth. And yet, he reminded us that change is still possible, especially at the local level, if leaders are compassionate and brave enough to take small steps forward, like approving a TNRM (Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage) pilot project.

This reminded me of something I learned from Larissa Ann, a member of the Bar Council committee, when she invited my NGO, Animal Kindness Coalition, to join their annual Human Rights Festival in 2024. At first, I was puzzled. “But we’re an animal welfare NGO,” I told her. “Isn’t this about human rights?”

Her answer stayed with me. She said that human rights and animal welfare are not separate; animals don’t have legal rights in the way humans do, but it is we, the people, who hold the responsibility and moral obligation to protect them. In other words, our treatment of animals is a reflection of our humanity.

The visit impressed on me that despite being politicians, MPs are, at the end of the day, people with causes they care about, goals they want to achieve, and communities they are trying to serve. We may not always agree with every decision they make, but there is effort behind the scenes. There is intention. There is a purpose.

Some may not agree with what I fight for. Others go above and beyond to support it. When we strip away politics, ego and noise, we are left with a simple truth: we are all trying to make life better for someone or something. And that matters.

Whether we are fighting for animals, the environment, education, healthcare or human rights - ultimately, we are all fighting for life, dignity and the welfare of those who cannot always speak for themselves.

To the retirees who once held power, your voice and wisdom still matter.

To those with influence today, you hold the means to uplift lives.

To those juggling work, family and quiet acts of kindness, you are the pulse of this country.

And to the silent heroes feeding strays behind their coffee shops or rushing sick animals to the

vet after office hours, you are the reason change is possible.

As we approach National Day, may we remember that independence isn’t just about freedom from the colonial past; it is also about the collective responsibility we carry into the future.

A truly sovereign nation is one where compassion guides our actions, justice is extended to all living beings, and no voice - no matter how small, furry or forgotten - is left unheard.

That day in Parliament reminded me of something simple yet profound: real power isn’t just in

making laws. It’s in making space for the right things to grow - for justice, dignity, empathy and for life itself. Let’s never forget that.

Let this be our shared journey towards a Malaysia where coexistence, empathy and dignity

are not just ideals but everyday acts of nation-building.

ASTHER LAU

Animal Kindness Coalition