Federal Cabinet agrees to set up independent children’s commission

PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has agreed to set up an independent child commission, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar told a press conference today the commission will seek to tackle neglect and abuse, as well as social issues involving children.

Noor Aziah Mohd Awal had been appointed the Malaysian Human Rights Commission’s (Suhakam) first child commissioner in August 2019. She was reappointed as a Suhakam commissioner last year.

Anwar said deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will chair a “social committee” to study the various issues involving children.

He said the committee will also involve women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri.

The name of the child commissioner will be announced by one of the ministers, he said.

Earlier this month, law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said proposed that an independent commission be set up to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.

She said an independent commission would have more power and autonomy, and could act as an oversight body on matters related to education, rights and crimes against children.

While such oversight was given to Suhakam’s children’s commissioner, Azalina said, an independent commission would be more ideal.

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