More schools in the country should launch the Criminalise War Club (CWC) to create awareness among students that war is a crime against humanity.
Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said as future leaders, students needed to be brave and active in fulfilling the agenda of criminalising war through meaningful activities and programmes in order to energise peace and harmony in the country.
"War violates every right of a child, such as the right to be with the family, the right to education, the right to health, and the right to be nurtured and protected. We are concerned that unless wars are criminalised, more children may become victims in the future.
"It is my sincere hope that more schools will launch CWC across the nation," he said in his speech at the launch of the CWC at Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah Putrajaya here today.
The text of his speech was delivered by Deputy Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching.
Muhyiddin acknowledged the founder and chairperson of CWC, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, for initiating the noble cause to protect Malaysian students against war by forming the CWC.
Also present at the launch were Kuala Lumpur Foundation to Criminalise War trustee Tunku Datuk Dr Sofiah Jewa and Perdana Global Peace Foundation chairman Tan Sri Norian Mai.
Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah Putrajaya is the third school in the country to have a CWC. The first CWC was launched at the Tunku Kurshiah College, Seremban, on April 11 last year, and the second at the Cempaka International School in September last year.
CWC aims to build a community having the full knowledge, awareness and understanding of the effects of war, especially on women and children.
Meanwhile, Siti Hasmah said students, as the leaders of tomorrow, must fully comprehend the Charter of the CWC to blaze a new trail of peace and friendship with all, irrespective of race and religion.
She said Malaysia enjoyed peace and stability that had enabled it to become a developing country. However, at the same time, the children had not known what conflicts, protests and riots could do.
"This is the very reason why we have CWCs, to teach them that they have to distance themselves from war and killings and conflicts of any nature.
"I am happy with the establishment of a CWC in Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah as it shows that there are those who understand our mission, what we are trying to achieve and why it is important to have such CWCs in schools in the country.
"I am sure that Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah will play a leading role in getting not just its own CWC fully functional but paving the way for other schools to follow your example," she said.
Siti Hasmah thanked Muhyiddin and the Education Ministry as well for its help in compiling a handbook that spells out how a CWC is to be run.
Bernama
Fri Jun 20 2014
Filepic of Siti Hasmah and Dr Mahathir at the launch of the CWC in Tunku Kurshiah College in Nilai on April 11. - BERNAMApic
Elon Musk promises to award $1 mil each day to a signer of his petition
He awarded a $1 million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Donald Trump.
Zayn Malik postpones US tour dates after One Direction bandmate Liam Payne's death
Payne, 31, died on Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, shocking fans of the boy band.
Why voters in a handful of swing states will decide the US presidential election
The contest will almost certainly be decided by just tens of thousands of voters a tiny fraction of the populace in a handful of states.
INSIGHT - Sudan's war risks 'lost generation' of children
A devastating crisis is unfolding in Sudan, where the most vulnerable members of society children are bearing the brunt of the violence.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).