The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) said the organiser must furnish an explanation on the actual reason as to why the child was not allowed to participate, and clarify whether it was her attire or another issue.

“The Social Welfare Department is gathering information from the organiser on the matter,” said KPWKM in a statement here today.

KPWKM said the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which was ratified in 1995, states that all children are recognised as individuals who have a basic right to grow up and be protected.

As such, it said the action of the organiser was a denial on the principle of participation which was one of the four principles held by the CRC, besides the right to life, protection, development and participation.

KPWKM said the chess competition was a platform for the development of children, specifically in nurturing their hidden talents and skills.

“The opportunity for children to participate in this activity is not only a mental stimulus to children but also the chance to mix, exchange ideas, share experiences and interact among themselves from different races, sex, background, economic status and religious beliefs,” the statement said.

On April 14, a 12-year-old female pupil was forced to withdraw from the 2017 National Level School Chess Championship after the organiser said the dress she was wearing was seductive.

The picture shared by the pupil on Facebook, showing her wearing a dress with a hemline slightly above her knee, went viral with social media users roundly criticising the organiser of the event.