Drafting of special law for independent Children's Commissioner's Office requires balanced approach - Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, has emphasised the importance of a balanced approach in drafting a special law to establish a fully independent Children's Commissioner's Office under the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

She also acknowledged the need for government agencies to receive adequate assistance in interpreting the law.

"We must strike a balanced system in enabling a fully independent Children's Commissioner's Office under Suhakam.

"Many government agencies overseeing matters related to children require assistance, particularly in terms of interpreting the law...and we have yet to touch on religious sensitivity pertaining to this law," she said during an interview with Sinar Daily.

On a related matter, Azalina also highlighted the appointment of a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya, Farah Nini Dusuki, as the Children's Commissioner to Suhakam.

She commended Farah's vast experience in the field of human rights and child law, expressing confidence that children's issues in Malaysia will receive the attention necessary to protect their rights, safety, and well-being.

The Pengerang MP also reiterated her commitment to establishing the Children's Commissioner's Office as an independent body.

"The government will present a special Bill in Parliament soon, likely during the next session, to enable the Children's Commission to function independently," Azalina said.

She added that the special Bill would authorise the Commissioner to monitor, evaluate, provide opinions, and assist the government in upholding children's rights and ensuring their welfare is well taken care of.

"We currently have the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development, but we lack a specific department or ministry dedicated to children.

"That's why we are developing this Bill, exploring different formats and modules. We have yet to reach the levels of the Children's Commissioner's Office in countries like India and New Zealand. Hence, we need to research and adapt existing modules to suit our context," she explained.

The draft of the Bill is being formulated by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department together with Suhakam and the Attorney General’s Chambers.