By Azura Abas

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is disturbed by the acts of cruelty committed against children as reported in the media lately.

He said it was saddening to see how adults could do such things to children.

"We have seen news in the media about children's sufferings and kids being abused. It shows that the family institution is still fragile," he said during the International Children's Broadcasting Day jointly organised by the International Children's Day of Broadcasting, Unicef and TV3's Buletin Utama on Saturday.

While the nation was still reeling in shock and outrage at the death of 3-year-old Syafia Humairah Sahari, it was jolted by the killing of 18-month-old K. Haresvarren six days later.

Syafia died after she was allegedly abused by her mother's boyfriend in Batang Kali on Feb 26, while Haresvarren was allegedly stomped upon at a playground in Kayu Ara.

The prime minister reminded everyone that as the country developed, it must not erode the values of humanity. He also said the government had always looked after the interest of children.

He urged every child to make use of the facilities provided to improve himself.

"We have built schools and given textbooks. You (the children) must study hard. It is now up to you whether you want to become successful or not.

"As human beings, we should always enrich ourselves with knowledge."

Later, Najib was interviewed by four pupils from Sekolah Sri Cempaka Damanasara. They were M. Thivashini, 11; Nicholas Tan Hao Yu, 8; Natasha Franco Rende, 10 and Muhammad Arief Nusseinie Aman Shah, 10.

Present were Media Prima Bhd executive director Datuk Ahmad A. Talib and Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad (TV3) group editor Mohd Ashraf Abdullah.

Natasha asked Najib on Malaysia's contributions to address the global warming phenomenon.

To this, Najib replied that the government had taken several measures, including its commitment to reduce carbon emission and keep its forest cover at nearly 70 per cent.

He then took a question from Arief who wanted to know his hopes for the younger generation when Malaysia became a developed nation.

"I hope your generation can enjoy a high-quality lifestyle and also play a big role for the country when it becomes a developed nation. You have to study hard for this."

To a question by Tan, Najib said the government wanted to develop the children's minds as early as 6 years old through Permata, an early childhood education programme.

"By doing so, we can have a strong and highly competitive younger generation in terms of their mental capability."

Najib said the government had taken various steps, including looking after the rights and needs of children.

In addition, Malaysia had formulated rules and regulations to protect children, he said when replying to questions by Thivashini.

"Last year, we introduced the National Child Action Policy and the National Child Protection Policy together with action plans."