http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/29/nation/6756861&sec=nation
CM: School for pregnant teenagers will proceed
2010/07/29
By B. Suresh Ram and Shuhada Elis
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MALACCA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam yesterday defended his suggestion for pregnant teens be placed in a special school.
Replying to a question raised in the state assembly sitting, he said the state government was serious about helping pregnant youngsters.
The state government was determined to set up such school, he said adding that Pantai Kundor assemblyman Datuk Ab Rahaman Ab Karim had been appointed chairman of the school with immediate effect.
Ali, however, did not elaborate on the school, saying that details were being worked out.
He said the school would be set up as soon as possible despite criticisms.
"I am not suggesting it merely for fun but it is based on the views of many quarters obtained during a recent seminar on social problems held here."
Believing that there were no outright solutions to the problems, Ali said the move could assist the teenagers in one way or another.
"The school will take care of the needs of pregnant teens and this, indirectly, will rid of negative perception against them," he said to a question by Chua Kheng Hwa (BN-Bemban).
Ali added that there was no harm in having such a school.
"It is done with good intention and I believe this is encouraged not only by Islam but also other religions to address social problems involving our youngsters."
The Malacca Religious Council (MAIM) had also given its thumbs-up for the establishment of the school.
"This was agreed upon during a meeting between MAIM leaders and representatives of several political bodies and non-governmental organisations in the state."
Statistics showed that rape cases in the state stood at 112 last year and 40 cases were reported in the first six months of this year.
On baby dumping cases, Ali said only one case was reported last year while three had been reported so far this year.
"This is very worrying. They are scared to tell their parents for fear of being scolded and ostracised. In the end, they give births in secluded spots and dispose of their newborns. We must put a stop to it and this is the very reason why we want to have the school."
The proposal, however, did not go down well with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
In a statement, the ministry said the move was not the best solution to address the issue of baby dumping.
Instead, a more practical solution would be to allow pregnant teenagers to defer their schooling and make arrangements for them to be placed at a new school after maternity leave.
It also said segregation of teenagers from mainstream education would result in social stigma towards them.
"Moreover, the school will always be labelled by society as an institution for teenagers who are pregnant out of wedlock," the statement said.
Although the proposal was seen as a preventive measure to the problem of abandoned babies, it should be studied comprehensively to avoid other implications which may affect the children, families and the society.
It added that the proposal to encourage children and teenagers to marry with the support of the state government would be seen as condoning child marriages.
"The ministry is firm on its stand that child marriages should not be encouraged as they are detrimental to the development and well-being of the child."
It added placing a heavy burden of parenthood on children would also affect the child's psychological, emotional and physical development.
Read more: CM: School for pregnant teenagers will proceed http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/22SEMI-2/Article#ixzz0v2F0dJAz
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