KUCHING, April 23: The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) has expressed interest in relocating its secretariat in Malaysia following the country’s commitment in addressing the challenges posed by its projected ageing population.
According to a press release by Malaysia’s AFPDD chairman Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi today, the AFPPD also acknowledged Malaysia’s commitment in implementing the population and development agenda apart from its geopolitical stability and strategic location in Asia.
“Besides witnessing Malaysia’s active engagement in AFPPD, AFPPD chairperson HE Professor Keizo Takemi, said the country is deemed fit to host the international body, consisting of 30 member countries globally” said Nanta, adding that this gesture is an evidence of Malaysia’s high competency and visibility in its contribution to the global agenda.
The proposal with AFFPD’s secretariat located in Malaysia was brought forth by Professor Takemi, who is also Japan’s Health Minister during the recent AFPPD and Standing Committee on Active Ageing Parliamentarians Meeting of International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) that was held in Tokyo on April 22 to April 24.
Malaysia’s AFPPD and ICPD delegation was led by Nanta and five Members of Parliament who are Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee Chuan How, Tampin MP Dato Mohd Isam Mohd Isa, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis @ Fakharudy and Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali.
The AFPPD meeting organised by The Asian Population and Development Association (APDA) and The Forum of Arab Parliamentarians on Population and Development (FAPPD) saw participation from other countries such as Japan, Korea Republic, Kazakhstan, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, China, Cambodia, Bahrain, Algeria, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Tunisia, Thailand, Syria, Sri Lanka, Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and Morocco.
The forum serves as a platform for parliamentarians from participating countries to engage in substantive discussions and share insights on policies and strategies focused on safeguarding the rights and well-being of both youth and elderly populations, under the theme of ‘Leaving No One Behind In An Ageing World’. — DayakDaily
