The First Lady, Madam Sajidha Mohamed, joined a panel discussion titled “Parents and Teachers Perspectives on Juvenile Justice: Hopes and Expectations,” part of the National Juvenile Justice Conference 2025, held from May 10 to 12.
Speaking on the panel in her capacity as a parent, the First Lady stressed the importance of familiarising parents with the justice system and its processes, highlighting the challenges they face in accessing relevant information. She also emphasised the role of parents in guiding children away from delinquent behaviour, and the value of nurturing trust-based relationships between parents and children as a means of protecting them from harmful influences.
In her concluding remarks, the First Lady expressed hope for a future where no child has to enter the justice system. She called for stronger institutional collaboration to realise this vision and advocated for the implementation of diversion programmes as alternatives to punitive measures, offering second chances to juvenile offenders.
Joining the First Lady on the panel were Nazima Ali Manik, Principal of Muhyiddin School, and Fasana Mohamed, Deputy Principal of Huravee School.