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Monday February 4, 2013

Youths make a stand for rights

By DESIREE TRESA GASPER
desiree@thestar.com.my


JOHOR BARU: A large crowd of youngsters gathered here to state that no one, especially politicians, should infringe their rights.

Among others, the group stated their objection to gender segregation at hair salons and curbs on Valentine's Day celebrations.

Rallying under the Malaysian Youth Rights Movement, the gathering at the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) Stadium here on Saturday, saw a band performance, speeches by movement officials and lucky draws.

Movement head Shen Yee Aun said young Malaysians should not allow anyone to deny them their rights, adding that they should speak up against changes that could cause a negative impact on youths.

“Some policies have infringed on the basic rights of the community and silence is not the way to deal with the issues.

“Of course, we want to embrace change. But what is the point of changing if it serves to only bring more negative than positive effects?” he asked.

Shen added that his NGO aimed to create an awareness among youths about current issues, policies and regulations affecting them.

He cited, as examples, the issue of prohibiting women from cutting men's hair and vice-versa, banning entertainment outlets and barring Valentine's Day celebrations.

Other concerns include the right of the youths to socialise, the rights of women and the right to consume alcoholic beverages and non-halal food.

“These may seem like minor concerns, but if certain parties take over our country, it will affect our daily lives,” he said, adding that the effects would be felt by all Malaysians despite claims that such issues were meant only for Muslims.

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