Opinion | Change is happening on child rights in Malaysia, but slowly
- Activist Tini Zainudin says much has changed in the year since Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad came to power, but much work remains
- This is the second in a series of reflections by well-known Malaysians, a year on from the Pakatan Harapan coalition’s historic election victory on May 9, 2018, that brought about Malaysia’s first change of government
There is nothing like a dream to create the future – Victor Hugo
Courage is grace under pressure – Ernest Hemingway
I am a child-rights activist in Malaysia. I say this with pride and defiance, as my foray into advocacy in Malaysia has had its “ups and downs” and has been bittersweet.
After every election, activists like me are forced to dance around new politicians, who sometimes don’t prioritise the needs of children. We become out of step with the new players, and have to start again each time, educating and fostering fresh relationships with policymakers. We are constantly lobbying, pleading and plotting to have the voices of children heard. We speak on behalf of children, but our aim is to have children speak for themselves.
The eventual goal is justice for all the youth of Malaysia. The journey is tiring and frustrating at times. Mindsets and attitudes must move forwards. We want change. We always want better.
