The DAP lawmaker said a couple’s decision not to have children can be complex and deeply personal, and simplifying it as a product of liberal ideology ignores the broader societal shifts faced by many people currently.

“Couples often delay parenthood to ensure they are financially and emotionally prepared.

“The significant costs associated with raising children – education, healthcare and daily expenses – can pose a considerable financial burden.

“With the escalating costs of living and economic uncertainties, it is entirely rational for couples to prioritise financial stability,” she said in a statement today.

Syerleena was responding to a claim by PAS MP Salamiah Nor that the country is now being controlled by liberals, resulting in married couples adopting a child-free lifestyle, among others.

“Now we have a situation where (married) couples don’t want to have children…child-free.

“In Islam, matrimony is about getting offspring, but now we have something like a grand promotion where you don’t have to have children after getting married,” Malaysiakini reported her as saying at an event at Kolej Universiti Islam Zulkifli Muhammad in Gombak, Selangor yesterday.

Last month, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar had also said opting to be “child-free” due to the perception that children are a burden is contrary to the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.

He said the federal territories mufti’s office had issued a fatwa stating that choosing to be child-free to avoid responsibilities is considered makruh (discouraged) under Islamic law.

However, Syerleena pointed out that Islamic values also emphasise the importance of raising children in nurturing environments.

She said Islam encourages responsible parenthood with an emphasis on the need to provide for children’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

“This aligns with the idea that delaying parenthood until conditions are favourable is a responsible and valued decision within the faith.”