As a citizen of Malaysia, I find it very disturbing to learn that tobacco companies are continuously sponsoring smoking prevention programmes or campaigns. It is even more disturbing to note that organisations supposed to educate the tobacco companies to stop selling cigarettes are collaborating with them. A disturbing irony indeed.

Why would a tobacco company want to sponsor a youth smoking prevention programme when their underlying motive is to profit from sales of cigarettes?

It is very disheartening to note an organisation for youth accepting the sponsorship when it is common knowledge why tobacco companies like Phillip Morris and the British American Tobacco (both parties to the event) would want to support such campaigns.

Tobacco companies are now faced with stricter controls in their advertising, marketing and sponsorship and therefore have to resort to something that will allow mass exposure of their existence.

So why not resort to a 'smart' partnership which can also be a good PR exercise in the eyes of society. Tobacco companies get to see themselves painted as a socially responsible corporate citizen, bravo!

The point is that their slick PR will continue to hurt our youth, will continue like a plague on our youth who will feel that smoking is cool since tobacco companies push hard that is an adult's choice. Isn't that a great enticement for our youth to be lured into picking up cigarettes?

All in all, it is unethical to allow cigarette companies to support any smoking prevention campaign. Tobacco companies, please try your luck elsewhere and leave our Malaysian youth out of your deadly reins.

For the MAYC, it is time that you look for other corporations to support your programmes. Otherwise try handling other youth activities and leave tobacco control programmes to other more responsible youth organisations.