PM LAUNCHES FUND FOR GAZA CHILDREN

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Thursday
launched the Humanitarian Fund for Gaza Children to provide relief to children
who are suffering due to the Israeli military attacks on Gaza in Palestine.

The fund was set up through the joint efforts of women's organisations,
namely Bakti (the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers),
Puspanita, Bakat and Perkep, and received the support of the United Nations
Children's Fund (Unicef) in Malaysia.

Contributions to the fund would be collected beginning today until the end
of December.

Abdullah, who is also patron for the fund, said the contribution, no matter
how small, would be most meaningful to the children who were becoming the target
of the Israeli aggression.

"Whatever amount they give, it comes from their heart. It is very important.
A lot of people would like to help," he said.

Initially, Bakti, Puspanita, Perkep and Bakat each contributed RM50,000 with
a total collection of RM200,000. The Inland Revenue Board contributed
RM70,263.55 to the fund while Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina contributed RM50,000
from the sale of tickets for the play, Puteri Gunung Ledang. (US$1=RM3.65)

Meanwhile, at a media conference after the launch, Youssouf said more than
50,000 children of Gaza were out of school and many of them experienced
traumatic moments.

He said the relief aid would accelerate the return of the children back to
normal life.
-- BERNAMA