Bill on establishment of Children's Commission to be tabled in Parliament in October - Azalina

She said it was important to establish an independent children's commission to protect the welfare and interests of the approximately 9.5 million children in the country.

Azalina said it also aims to not only provide a comprehensive understanding to the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) and non-governmental organisations but also assist the Sexual Crimes Against Children Court.

"We have prepared the paper on the matter to be presented to the Cabinet, and hopefully it will get approval in terms of policy and legal framework, and the bill can be tabled in the upcoming Parliament sitting.

"At present, the Office of the Children's Commissioner (OCC) is under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), but we have to take it out and make it really independent because Suhakam is handling mostly matters related to human rights. The OCC has to look beyond human rights.

"The OCC must be independent so that it can monitor and provide assistance to government agencies to come up with the best practises for children. We cannot be so defensive when it comes to children's rights. Our children are the future of the nation. We must provide them with full protection," she told reporters after visiting the Seremban Court Complex here today.

In the meantime, Azalina said a total of 6,791 child sexual abuse cases around the country were reported as of today with Kelantan recording the highest number of cases at 1,097 .

She added that the overall rate of disposal of child sexual abuse cases was currently at 72.6 per cent.

"If it is possible, I want to give a message that early or fast disposal of the cases is to show the non-tolerance of the government for such cases. However, to achieve this, the country needs more Sessions Court judges who are currently handling beyond just one case," she said.

Azalina also said that the Immunity Act, which serves to protect the country from any possible foreign claims in the future, is also expected to be tabled in Parliament in October.