Pubdate: Sat, 28 May 2005
Source: Star, The (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd.
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com.my
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/922

FIGHT THE DRUG MENACE

A total of 150 undergraduates from 43 institutions of higher learning
recently took time off from their studies to attend a drug prevention forum.

Organised as a joint collaboration between Help University College, United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Association Malaysia
(UNAM), the one-day forum served as a platform for youth to brainstorm and
find solutions to the drug problem.

UNDP Resident Representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Dr Richard
Leete provided an overview of the HIV/AIDS problem and the drug-related
situation in Malaysia and globally.

This was followed by a panel discussion chaired by International Planned
Parenthood Federation (East, Southeast Asia and Oceania region) executive
director Datuk Dr Raj Karim.

During the discussion, National Drugs Agency deputy director-general Datuk
Mukhtar Ismail spoke on the government's efforts in fighting the drug menace
while Unicef Malaysia programme coordinator Kiyoshi Nakamitsu shared his
experiences in Indonesia, Kenya, the United States and Zambia.

The students, participating in the final session chaired by Dr Siti Norazah
Zulkifli, also talked about what youth should do to prevent the spread of
HIV/AIDS and drug abuse.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Fu Ah Kiow opened the forum on behalf
of Education Minister Datuk Dr Shafie Mohd Salleh.

UNAM secretary-general Datuk Dr Ian Chia said he would assist Help
University College in setting up a United Nations club.

"The club would enable students to find out more about what the UN does," he
said, adding that he had helped to set up a similar club in Universiti Sains
Malaysia several years ago. 
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MAP posted-by: Josh