SEREMBAN, July 2 (Bernama) -- In the efforts to transform and improve the standard of living of the Orang Asli community represented by 18 sub groups, education, skills and land ownership are seen vital for their development.

According to Peninsular Malaysia Orang Asli Association President Majid Suhut, this is because through education and skills the Orang Asli community can compete with the rest and through land ownership they can earn an income.

KUALA LUMPUR: The minimum marriage age for Muslims and non-Muslims remains unchanged although the Government has withdrawn its reservation to Article 1 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

Article 1, which defines a child as a person below the age of 18, did not contradict Malaysian laws, she said.

KUALA LUMPUR: More Penan women have come forward with claims of being sexually abused and the police have promised to investigate the latest allegations.

The Penan Support Group, made up of 36 non-governmental organisations, has released its latest report that reveals the testimony of seven more Penan females who have claimed they were raped or sexually abused.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia today signed the instrument to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and withdrew its reservations on several articles in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The signing of the instrument by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil showed the government's commitment to protecting and improving the welfare of the disabled, women and children.

ASIAN NGOS JOINT PRESS STATEMENT


Thailand Must Take Clear and Decisive Action for Human Rights
as New President of the UN Human Rights Council

Asian NGOs Urge the New Asian Member States of the Council - Malaysia, the Maldives, Qatar and Thailand to Strictly Comply with the Highest Human Rights Standards

(22 June 2010, Bangkok/Geneva) The UN Human Rights Council (Council) convened its organizational meeting yesterday on its fifth annual cycle (2010-2011) and elected Ambassador Sihasak Phuangketkeow, the Permanent Representative of Thailand to the UN Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva, as the President of the Council for a period of one year. We, the undersigned 55 national and regional human rights organizations across Asia, urge Ambassador Sihasak Phuangketkeow to demonstrate his utmost leadership and competency in order for the Council to fulfill its mandate and responsibilities effectively and ensure meaningful participation of NGOs.