February 19, 2009 19:08 PM

Abdullah Launches Fund For Gaza Children

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today launched the Humanitarian Fund for Gaza Children to provide relief to children who are suffering due to the Israeli military attacks on Gaza in Palestine.

The fund was set up through the joint efforts of women's organisations, namely Bakti (the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers), Puspanita, Bakat and Perkep, and received the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) in Malaysia.

Contributions to the fund would be collected beginning today until the end of December.

Abdullah, who is also patron for the fund, said the contribution, no matter how small, would be most meaningful to the children who were becoming the target of the Israeli aggression.

"Whatever amount they give, it comes from their heart. It is very important. A lot of people would like to help," he said.

Also present at the launch were Bakti president, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan, Defence Forces Chief General Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Unicef representative in Malaysia Youssouf Oomar.

Initially, Bakti, Puspanita, Perkep and Bakat each contributed RM50,000 with a total collection of RM200,000. The Inland Revenue Board contributed RM70,263.55 to the fund while Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina contributed RM50,000 from the sale of tickets for the play, Puteri Gunung Ledang.

Meanwhile, at a media conference after the launch, Youssouf said more than 50,000 children of Gaza were out of school and many of them experienced traumatic moments.

He said the relief aid would accelerate the return of the children back to normal life.

-- BERNAMA

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