A DARK Christmas & BLEAK New Year for our children: When the Women's Ministry gets political ...

It is with unbelief that I read the media reports that the Ministry for Women, Family and Community Development has chosen not to support street youth at KL Krash Pad, a centre under Yayasan Chow Kit.

It is with unbelief because the children of our leaders are living in the lap of luxury and many have become millionaires and billionaires. Surely they could consider a tiny allocation for children living on the streets?

The fact that Yayasan Chow Kit has to even make an application for funds boggles the mind. It is the responsibility of the government we elected to care for the poor, what more street children, living in worse condition than many well fed house cats and dogs.

The fact is that the Ministry for Women, Family and Community Development should be falling over itself to extend support to these children. It should not be the responsibility of NGOs to do this. But when governments fail, the least they can do is humbly support the NGOs that are working hard to support the marginalised people of our country.

Any words without action defeats our faith and belief in God. Our relationship with God can only be measured by our lives, not our words.

Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim

My prayer is that the Christmas spirit of peace and sharing our love will overcome and shine some light and hope into the lives of these children, not victimise them for their parents’ problems.

I appeal to our Prime Minister Dato' Sri Mohammad Najib Razak and the Minister for Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim, to urgently respond with kindness.

I end with this wonderful statement from Yayasan Chow Kit which is part of their core values: “We believe in upholding a respect for children’s rights and recognize that all children are born free and equal in dignity and rights, regardless of race, religion, gender, ability, age, and socio-cultural status.” A statement that we can apply to all Malaysians.

May you have a blessed Christmas and New Year.

And have a heart for the street children. – TMI