MB: Cruel to marry off a child

It’s common during our ancestors’ time in villages, says Ahmad Faizal

IPOH: It is a cruel act to marry off a child below the age of 16, Perak Mentri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumy said.

Ahmad Faizal said parents should have the responsibility to ensure their children get the best education and learn skills to take care of them in life.

“Personally, as a Muslim, I understand that we have rights to marry someone who has reached puberty.

“At the same time, I also opined that for parents who have underage children, or those below 18, it is their responsibility to prepare them to be independent and not to be married off at a young age,” he said during a special interview with the media at his official residence here on Wednesday.

“During our ancestors’ time in village life, it’s different then as their lives were mundane and more routine.

“There were no schools or universities, it was acceptable to marry someone who had reached puberty then.

“I think it’s cruel now to marry them off. Why not give them the opportunity to have a life?” he said.

Ahmad Faizal said people should think of their children’s future and only allow them to get married when they are ready.

When asked whether the state would amend its rule on the legal age for people to get married, he said the matter would be discussed with the state Pakatan Harapan council.

On another matter, Ahmad Faizal said he hoped to revive the plan for an international airport to be built in the state.

“I think it’s everybody’s dream to have an international airport in Perak.

“I want to speed things up. I’ll be meeting the Prime Minister, the Transport Minister and knock on the doors of all relevant agencies,” he said.

“I will do whatever it takes to get it done,” he said, adding that such an airport would develop the tourism industry and create more jobs.