Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Alhamdulillahirabbil alamin wassalatu wassalamu ala asyrafilanbiya iwal mursalin waala alihi waashabihi ajmain.

A very good morning honorable panel of judges, time keeper, beloved teachers and respected audiences. Assalamualaikum wr.wb 10 years old girl was raped, 9 years old boy tortured by his family.Isnt that shocking to you hearing such news? Today I stand before you to talk about about a serious, horrifying and a truly shocking subject which is child abuse. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Malaysia, defines child abuse as a harm caused to a child by a parent, guardian, or another person responsible for the childs safety. There are four types of child abuse namely, neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Try to put yourselves in the shoes of children who are constantly being abused. Imagine being beaten, neglected or even sexually assaulted by the people who give birth to you. Child abuse is one of the most tragic problems faced by children. It is a serious problem in Malaysia, thus by understanding the causes of this condition, the actions can be taken to prevent this problem. Now, let me begin by evaluating the seriousness of this case in Malaysia. The statistics from the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia reported that, between 2006 and 2008, the child abuse cases reported was 4779 cases. The department also indicates that each year at least 1000 children in Malaysia are reported as victims.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Do you still remember a horrible case of child abuse, involving Nurin Jazlin?. She went missing on Aug 20, 2007, after she went to the night market near her home. 27 days later, her body was found stuffed in a gymnasium bag in front of a shop. The autopsy report revealed that she was sexually abused before murdered. Now, it is proven that child abuse is a serious problem in Malaysia and anyone of your loved one can be the next victim of child abuse.

Ladies and gentlemen, We have discussed the severity of the problem and now lets look at the causes of this problem. It is completely surprising to know that one of the causes i s due to childs parents. When the childs father or mother falls into an addicted situation such drugs or alcohols, these children will not be able to receive suitable cares to grow up as usual. Even, the child will be beaten or neglected without any regret. Next reason is come from the ecological causes. A family under poverty condition has always fought with serious problems in finance. Therefore, children who unable to receive enough daily food and education easily become the victims of sexual abuse, especially the young or teenage girls. Lastly, child abuse often occurred due to childs unexpected disabilities. Whenever a child is born with physical disabilities, this unlucky child can be refused to foster by parents and lead to child abuse. My fellow friends,

We have the power to prevent child abuse. Here are some ways we can use to prevent child abuse. Firstly, organize prevention campaign. The government and non-government agency such as Social Welfare Department of Malaysia must organize prevention campaign to help parents or people to escape from abuse and also educate public to love the children. The organizations can have seminar and give brochure to public so that they can be more aware about child abuse cases in Malaysia.

Secondly, the role of school counselor is important. School counselors or teachers must educate their students, give motivation and advice if students have problem. Teachers also must be cooperate with parents through PIBG and plan some activities that involve parents and their children. So that, it can make a good relationship between them. As a result child abuse cases can be prevented.

Lastly, the role of media. Electronic media must advertise about child abuse whether the causes and the effects if the child is being abused and give tips how to solve this problem. Media such as internet or television must show drama about child abuse, so that the parents and public are alert and more aware about this case.

Ladies and gentlemen, Now, let us move to the concluding part of my speech. In a nut shell, it is found that child abuse is a serious problem in Malaysia, and the prevention actions can be taken by understanding the causes. Remember, the way we talk to and act with children influences how they feel about themselves. Hurtful words and actions can leave scars that last a lifetime. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ( luficrem dna etanoissapmoc syawla saw dna nerdlihc devol eH .roivaheb sih hguorht siht dewohs ( towards them. He showed his affection for them in many ways. He hugged them and patted them on the back. He always treated them with kindness and gentleness.

So, what are we waiting for? Let us break our silence and stop child abuse today, as they are our voice of tomorrow. Thank you. Wabillahi taufiq wal hidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.