Gov't mulls independent children's commission - Azalina

KOTA TINGGI: The government will look into the establishment of an independent commission to better safeguard the wellbeing of children in the country.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said reckons that the commission was important to oversee matters concerning the welfare of children, such as safety, education and health.

She said currently, such matters were overseen by the Malaysian Human Rights Commission's (Suhakam) Children's Commissioner.

"I will prepare a Cabinet paper for them to be given the freedom to stand on their own feet as an oversight body because the issue of children does not only cover crime," she told reporters after a 'doa selamat' in conjunction with the launch of the Pengerang Parliament Mobile Service Centre and Mobile Clinic here today.

In addition, Azalina said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has agreed to the appointment of a new Children's Commissioner, whose name will be presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for consent.

Separately, Azalina said discussions will also be held with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek soon to organise programmes to boost understanding and awareness of children's rights so that they do not end up victims of crime.

She said there is also a proposal for additional Special Criminal Courts on Sexual Crimes Against Children.

-- BERNAMA