KUALA LUMPUR: To mark World Children’s Day, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul invited MPs to offer prayers for the protection of children, with a particular emphasis on those in Gaza.
“The escalating Palestine-Israel conflict deeply impacts the global community. To date, over 700,000 children in the Gaza Strip have been rendered homeless, more than 4,600 have lost their lives, and nearly 9,000 have been injured.
“Let us pray for the safety of all children, especially those in the Gaza Strip, against any form of oppression,” he said before the start of yesterday’s parliamentary proceedings.
In his speech at the event, Johari expressed his deep emotion at hosting the World Children’s Day celebrations in Parliament.
ALSO READ: Helping kids reach out for help
“It’s profoundly moving to witness the brightness and capabilities of our children.
“Being a father of eight and a grandfather to 12, I understand the joy children bring,” he remarked.
He noted that despite some reservations, Malaysia joined the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1995, acknowledging children as individuals entitled to growth, learning, play, and development with dignity.
Johari encouraged MPs to advocate for increased future budgets benefiting children.
The event also featured the announcement of winners of the Picture My Rights: A Shot at Life contest, which saw over 300 photo submissions from children nationwide, depicting their right to be heard, to freedom, family, rest, play, and friendships.
