By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 28: Malaysia has been elected as the host country for the Secretariat of the Asian Forum on Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD).
According to a statement by AFPPD Malaysia, this marks a significant milestone in the country’s leadership role in advancing population and development issues across the region.
The decision was made during the AFPPD 15th General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (Apr 27), where Malaysia’s bid, led by the Chair of AFPPD Malaysia, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, was overwhelmingly supported by all member states.
“The win reflects Malaysia’s strong commitment to promoting sustainable development, gender equality, health rights, and the welfare of people across Asia and the Pacific,” said the statement.
Meanwhile, Nanta, who is also the Works Minister, said Malaysia is honoured by the trust placed by regional peers.
“Hosting the AFPPD Secretariat is a recognition of Malaysia’s proactive role in championing critical issues such as youth empowerment, gender equality, ageing populations, and reproductive health.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Secretariat will serve as a dynamic and inclusive platform to foster dialogue, collaboration, and impactful action across our region,” said Nanta, who is also Kapit MP.
The AFPPD Secretariat will be relocated from Japan to Kuala Lumpur, serving as the nerve centre to support parliamentarians in the region in their advocacy and legislative work for the next five years.
It will coordinate programmes, research initiatives, and capacity-building efforts to empower lawmakers with knowledge, resources, and policy tools.
“As a host country, Malaysia is also given the privilege to take the leadership role of the AFPPD’s Secretary-General as part of AFPPD’s Office Bearers.
“For this purpose, members of Malaysia’s AFPPD have unanimously nominated Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee to take up the leadership,” said the statement.
Apart from the Secretary-General, the chairperson is led by Japan, followed by its five vice chairpersons from New Zealand, Cambodia, China, India, and Kyrgyzstan.
Meanwhile, representing Malaysia, Parit Sulong MP Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad was also selected as the Chairperson of the Standing Committee for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment for four years. — DayakDaily
