SHAH ALAM: Sungai Kandis by-election PKR candidate Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni’s pledge to combat social ills if chosen as state assemblyman is seen as a continuation of his decade-long efforts in the constituency.
Fondly known as Ustaz Zawawi, Mohd Zawawi and his wife, Hazlina Abd Razak, set up the Darul Wardah Women’s Protection and Rehabilitation Home (Darwa) in Jalan Kebun, Section 30, in 2008.
The home, which is registered with the Welfare Department, has been recognised by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) for its efforts to rehabilitate troubled women.
Hazlina said since it began operating, more than 300 women and teenagers between the ages of 14 and 40 have found protection at Darwa, as well as a fresh start in life.
“Many of them are unmarried teens who have children; while others have been involved in social ills such as drugs.
“We are able to house 24 women at one time. (While at Darwa, they) undergo rehabilitation based on Islamic modules, and they are also taught skills,” she added.
Hazlina said that Darwa is strict in its rehabilitation efforts, as it does not want its noble intentions to be slandered by certain quarters.
She said the home must be very selective (in accepting inmates), set strict rules and have a comprehensive module in order to achieve the aim of helping troubled women solve their problems and lead a better life.
“The home must ensure that the women are serious about being assisted and will follow the stipulated rules throughout the rehabilitation process; and have gotten their parents’ support to be protected.
“We do not want protection homes to be a place for women and families (simply) to run away from disgrace. Otherwise, the homes (will gain a reputation as a place where) women give birth to their illegitimate children,” Hazlina said.
The Sungai Kandis by-election was called following the death of assemblyman Mat Shuhaimi Shafiei of lymphoma cancer on July 2.
The three-cornered fight involves Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, and Independent candidate Murthy Krishnasamy.