KUALA LUMPUR: Demonstrators including women’s rights activists, school students and members of the public marched to parliament this morning to submit a signed petition for MPs to expedite the ban on child marriages in Malaysia.
The combined campaign organisers of #PelajarBukan Pengantin, #SchoolNotSpouse, #WhenIWas11, and #EndChildMarriage, peacefully gathered in front of the parliament entrance at 8.30am chanting slogans and holding placards.
Among the 80 strong crowds were primary and secondary school students, some dressed in Girl Guides uniforms.
Shortly after, a delegation of government MPs came out to meet with the delegation comprising Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh, Sepang MP Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto, and Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh.
The four MPs then accepted the petition which garnered 159,700 signatures in support.
Yeoh, who is the Women, Family and Community Development deputy minister said the government is listening and will do the necessary to push for an end to child marriage in Malaysia.
“The government will always do what is best in the interest of the child, as it stands we are making efforts to amend the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 for non-Muslims. As for Muslims, we have to consult the Malay rulers and state governments on this issue,“ she said to the crowd.
Fuziah also addressed the crowd, stating the National Fatwa Council had in 2014 issued a ruling stating that child marriages do more harm than good.
“This is what the council has decided and I will work to ensure this is realised,“ she said.
