MELAKA, Feb 19 — Single mothers need to rise to the challenge and improve their future by seizing the opportunities provided by the government so that they will no longer be looked down by the community.

Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said only the single mothers themselves could make the changes for the better, while the other parties and the government were only able to provide assistance and give them support.

"We can see that there are teenagers who have become single mothers. However, they are trying their best to advance themselves ... look at them as an example and do not feel left out. We hope single mothers will not miss out on development.

"Hence, all single mothers associations in each state or any related party, are required to identify these groups to enable the government to assist them in accordance with the current needs and suitability,” she told reporters at a friendly gathering with 232 single mothers here last night.

Mas Ermieyati, who is also the Member of Parliament for Masjid Tanah, said the effort would also facilitate single mothers to interact better and to propose suggestions or requests to the government so that their welfare continued to be taken care of.

"Several issues faced by single mothers need to be viewed and fought together, including legislation involving divorce, so that they will be able to turn their lives around, particularly those who have many children to raise on their own,” said Mas Ermieyati, who is also Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister. — Bernama