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"Love conquers all for some couples"
The
Star (www.thestar.com.my)
(20/02/07)
They marry despite knowing partner is HIV-positive
SOME courting couples still want to go ahead with their plans to get married
despite knowing that their partner is HIV-positive – citing love conquers
all.
The affected couples are willing to face the risks and parliamentary
secretary in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mashitah Ibrahim said
the Government was unable to intervene.
She said the findings were made following a survey on the mandatory HIV
tests for couples recently.
“Although the test is mandatory, the decision to carry on with marriage
plans should be made by the couples after obtaining the results.
“The choice to tie the knot with a HIV-positive partner is the prerogative
of the couples.
“There have been cases where the tests proved to be positive but the
partners remain adamant about getting married,” she said during a
constituency visit in Baling recently.
Mashitah, who is Baling MP, said the tests were early preventive measures to
create an awareness among couples in high-risk groups so that they could
take the necessary measures when living with a HIV-positive partner.
“The need to create such awareness is the responsibility of the Government
and non-governmental organisations,” she said.
Later, when launching the newly-formed Persatuan Belia Sinar Seroja 2 (PBSS)
in Kampung Batu 42, Pulai near Baling, Dr Mashitah said creative-minded
youths and those who could criticise constructively are “national assets”.
“The country needs youths with leadership skills and those who keep abreast
with the current development.
“These youths are encouraged to join the various associations and
organisations so that they can effectively communicate their views.”
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