Paying lip service to child marriage

In Malaysia, we wrap our children in cotton wool but at the same time contemplate marrying off 11-year-olds to older men.

COMMENT

There are many reasons why a child or a young adult is not allowed to do certain things. In Europe, for example, children are not allowed to purchase fireworks, cigarettes or knives. A shopkeeper who does not check the age of a young adult risks a hefty fine and a few years’ imprisonment. The shop also runs the risk of being shut down as the authorities there are serious about laws protecting children.

A Malaysian must be 17 years old before he or she is allowed to apply for a driving licence, but teenagers may ride “kapchais” at 16. The age limit may be raised as too many fatalities have been recorded from among the 16-20 age group. Young drivers are reckless, irresponsible and inexperienced, and have a tendency to show off.

The minimum age for entry into nightclubs in Kuala Lumpur is 18, but many prefer a more mature clientele. Some only allow entrance to men over 23 years of age while their girlfriends must be 21 or older.

Malaysian young adults cannot vote until they are 21. Those who attend public varsities are also banned from participating in politics thanks to the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.

Alcohol cannot be sold to Muslims, but non-Muslims aged 21 and above are allowed to purchase it. To smoke or buy tobacco products, one must be at least 18.

A 17-year-old Malaysian can volunteer to be in the armed forces. At 14, teenagers can work in certain jobs. Labour laws differ for those 16 and above, but even so they can only work in certain jobs as well.

A child can open a joint bank account with an adult who is the parent or guardian. A young adult must be 18 before qualifying for a supplementary credit card, and 21 before being a primary card holder.

In some European countries, an older child is not allowed to care for a younger sibling if their parents are away. If discovered, they will be removed by the welfare service and placed into care.

Many films have age restrictions. Some need parental guidance while more violent films and those with scenes of a sexual nature are banned for those under 18. Many computer games likewise have age restrictions due to their violent content.

Age restrictions are meant to protect our children. As adults, we fear that young minds may be corrupted or that children may become desensitised to violence. Children are also too young to handle financial transactions.

Children taking care of their younger siblings may not know what to do if there is a fire or medical emergency, or if a stranger attempts to persuade them to let him into the house before their parents return.

It is ironic that in 21st century Malaysia, we wrap our children in cotton wool but at the same time contemplate marrying off 11-year-olds to older men.

An 11-year-old child is still at primary school. She may not even have reached puberty. Who will tell her about her first period? Her husband? Who will teach her about the birds and the bees?

Children who enter into marriage will likely end up making babies, saddled with the drudgery of a life of missed opportunities.

Their bodies and mental facilities are not developed enough to deal with childbearing and the stress of being a wife, mother and homemaker. They may also end up having to take care of an ageing husband.

What life would a girl have if she just made babies, took care of them, cooked, cleaned and cared for her husband? What skills or education opportunities would she have to earn financial security in the event that he leaves her and she has to take care of herself and her children?

The Pakatan Harapan administration should release any data gathered by the previous administration detailing the number of child marriages, their duration and the number of offspring. Such data would also show the number of child brides who are thrown aside when they become too old.

Child marriages have attracted widespread condemnation due to their association with paedophiles and other related social ills. They should be banned.

Mariam Mokhtar is an FMT columnist.