Kuala lumpur: A strong and effective fatherly role can serve as the earliest layer of protection in preventing children from being drawn into social ills, drug abuse, and the erosion of values. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof emphasized the importance of empowering parenting, particularly fathers' involvement in children's upbringing and education, as part of national efforts to build stable families, a harmonious society, and a safer future for the next generation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah highlighted that in facing today's social challenges, fathers must not only be providers but also moral guides, attentive listeners, and role models in shaping character, discipline, and resilience. He noted the increasing importance of fathers' active involvement in children's lives amidst rising living costs, social media influence, rapid social changes, and complex life demands.
Fadillah's speech, delivered by Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying at the 2026 National Father's Day celebration organized by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), underscored the MADANI Government's commitment to strengthening family institutions. The National Family Compassion Policy (Dasar KASIH Keluarga Negara), launched earlier, serves as an important guide in this endeavor.
In line with this policy, LPPKN developed a new Fatherhood Module in 2025, focusing on modern parenting skills. The module includes leadership, psychological wellbeing, effective communication, and the use of social support networks to help fathers fulfill their roles more effectively, aligning with the aspirations of the National KASIH Family Agenda to cultivate a harmonious, prosperous, and morally upright society.
Lim also announced that the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) is committed to empowering men through the MEN Empowerment Network (MEN). This strategic network, involving 20 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), aims to drive holistic fatherhood programs, providing training on conflict management, parenting skills, and mental health to help men manage life pressures and eliminate the stigma associated with seeking help for emotional challenges.
The event also recognized individuals with the 'Anugerah Khas Inspirasi Bapa' for their resilience, sacrifice, and extraordinary commitment in raising and educating their children. Recipients included Autism Cafe Project founder Mohd Adli Yahya, community activist Mohd Azhan Mohd Adnan, known as Abbe Hae, and Mohd Yusof Mohd Noor, or 'Abang Minyak Hitam Jalanan.'