KUALA LUMPUR: All children in conflict with the law should be accorded free legal representation, said Parliamentary Select Committee on Women and Children Affairs and Social Development (PSCC) chairman Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Pengerang, in a joint statement with the other eight MPs in the committee, said the PSCC viewed with concern the recent news reports about police in Terengganu detaining a 15-year-old girl, an alleged rape victim, after her newborn baby boy was found dead with stab wounds, to assist in investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
"The PSCC is concerned that in this instance, the first action of the relevant agencies seems to have been to detain the child under remand whilst the child was still in the neonatal ward, for investigation for murder, without a comprehensive psychological assessment or social welfare report being carried out - and without her being accorded the benefit of any legal representation, or psychological assistance," the statement said.
The committee, among others, recommended that all children in conflict with the law be accorded free legal representation from the point of detention until the completion of the criminal justice process to ensure that their rights are adequately and fully protected.
It also recommended that the various stakeholders of the criminal justice system including the Bar Council, the Attorney-General's Chambers, the police and the Chief Registrar's Office work together towards achieving such free legal representation for all children in conflict with the law in Malaysia.
In light of Malaysia's commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, PSCC also commended the protections accorded to children under the Child Act 2001 including the treatment of children whilst under detention be strictly complied with by all law enforcement authorities.
The committee also suggested that awareness campaigns be revived by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development to prevent baby abandonment and to offer support and assistance to young unwed mothers.
The other eight MPs in the committee are Datuk Seri Hasan Arifin (Rompin), Rubiah Wang (Kota Samarahan), Che Alias Hamid (Kemaman), Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (Sik), Fuziah Salleh (Kuantan), Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil (Lembah Pantai), Alice Lau Kiong Yieng (Lanang) and Hannah Yeoh (Segambut).
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Feb 12 2022
Azalina said all children in conflict with the law should be accorded free legal representation. - Photo by Hilal Azmi
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.