Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan appointed UN World Federation for Mental Health representative

KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's eldest princess Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan Al-Sultan Abdullah was appointed as World Federation for Mental Health representative to the United Nations.

Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan's appointment will underline Malaysia's efforts towards raising awareness on mental health, its treatment and policy challenges.

"I have had the opportunity to work with traditional and non-traditional mental health stakeholders here at home. I have seen how the cause has received such tremendous support with fresh ideas and insights on how to break barriers and push the agenda forward in our country. I cannot wait to relay Malaysia's story at the United Nations.

"Being an International Patron of World Mental Health Day 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic has been such a pleasure. My conversations on mental health have already changed for the better," Tengku Puteri Afzan said.

"Mental health cannot be championed in a silo, it requires the input of all and I look forward to a deeply rewarding 2022," Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan added.

Malaysian Mental Health Association president, Prof. Dato' Dr Andrew Mohanraj said that the appointment of Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan was not only an achievement for Malaysia but also a recognition of her role as an international advocate for mental health.

"We are confident that the Princess will effectively represent the interest of the federation, and be the voice of mental health advocacy in the United Nations," he said

Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan will be accredited to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York. She will be supported by the federation's President, Secretary-General, President-Elect and the Regional Vice President for North America and the Caribbean.

The assignment follows the Princess' tenure as International Patron of World Mental Health Day from 10 October 2020 to 10 October 2021.

-- BERNAMA