Bernama.com
General May 05, 2008 21:35 PM
 
Consent Letter Proposal Only For Women Travellers Below 21, Says Rais


By Mohd Nasir Yusoff

JAKARTA, May 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim clarified here Monday that his proposal for Malaysian women to show a consent letter from their family or employer before travelling out of the country alone was only meant for those below 21 years of age.

"There's some misunderstanding. I was referring to boys and girls who travel on their own, especially those below 21 years old and are still subject to the supervision of their parents. Women above 21 years old are adult enough.

"But for those below 21, it's only fair that parental guidance be given," he told reporters at a press conference here at the end of his working visit to Indonesia Monday.

Rais said it need not necessarily be papers or letters of declaration as that would be a big hindrance.

"What I meant was those below 21 should be guided; parents should ask questions why they wanted to go to Venezuela or why they wanted to go to Spain. Parents should know where their children are going," he said.

Rais said he only had good intention for those who travelled alone overseas, especially children.

"But if this is regarded by human rightists to be against human rights, wait until their own children get into trouble," he said.

-- BERNAMA


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