{
  "id": 15130465,
  "title": "Children must not be stigmatised for life over birth status, says religious affairs minister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/children-must-not-be-stigmatised-for-life-over-birth-status-says",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T05:28:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/17/children-must-not-be-stigmatised-for-life-over-birth-status-says-religious-affairs-minister/239447"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PUTRAJAYA, Oct 17 — The religious affairs minister has warned against stigmatizing children based on their birth or lineage status, emphasizing the importance of treating them fairly throughout their lives. Dr Zulkifli Hasan, the minister in the Prime Minister's Department, urged the public to refrain from using a child's lineage to insult, shame or discriminate against them, as per Islamic teachings that state no one inherits another's sins. While legal rulings on lineage must be respected, they should not lead to social judgment or stigma for children. Zulkifli called for a society that can differentiate between evaluating actions and condemning individuals for life. He highlighted the need for careful examination of lineage-related issues, considering facts, syariah principles, and consultation with relevant authorities. This includes family matters, inheritance, guardianship, mahram relationships, and birth registrations. Zulkifli stressed that managing lineage-related issues should encompass the child's care, education, protection, well-being, and future, with cooperation from various organizations, including religious institutions, courts, government agencies, welfare organizations, and NGOs. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional and practical needs of mothers facing pregnancy or childbirth crises, who may require assistance in healthcare, education, emotional stability, family relationships, and future planning.",
  "summary": "PUTRAJAYA, Oct 17 — The public has been reminded not to use a child’s ‘nasab’ (birth or lineage)...",
  "key_points": [
    "Religious affairs minister warns against stigmatizing children based on birth or lineage status.",
    "Emphasizes treating children fairly throughout their lives, per Islamic teachings.",
    "Calls for society to differentiate between evaluating actions and condemning individuals for life."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing social inclusion over lineage-based judgment shifts the focus toward protecting the welfare and dignity of children regardless of their birth status or family circumstances.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Children must not be stigmatised for life over birth status - Minister",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/children-must-not-be-stigmatised-for-life-over-birth-status-minister",
        "published": "2026-10-17T05:14:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Children must not be stigmatised for life over birth status, says religious affairs minister",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/children-must-not-be-stigmatised-for-life-over-birth-status-says-15132497",
        "published": "2026-10-17T05:28:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}