KUALA LUMPUR – Law and Institutional Reforms Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman has called for an independent children’s commission to oversee child-related matters, including crimes and police investigations.
The Pengerang MP said the commission would provide society with a better understanding of child victims’ rights and how criminal investigations involving children should be carried out.
“Children won’t understand the process and investigation procedures as they are too young to handle the situation.
“Some might even be too young to be able to explain what really happened to them.
“At such times, having an independent commission can help them, as well as the process of obtaining information for the police,” Azalina said in a recording of her comments at an event in Pusat Bandar Penawar in the Pengerang constituency.
Currently, the functions of a children’s commission with oversight powers lie with the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).
Azalina said an independent commission would be able to more fully advocate the rights of children and address any loopholes in the law regarding crimes against children or in police investigation procedures.
Of late, the minister has been vocal about the alleged rape of a 16-year-old female rape victim by a police inspector at the police station she went to.
Azalina said there are certain protocols to follow when dealing with child witnesses, particularly those who have been sexually abused.
On other reforms, she said the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 needs to be updated, while the special children’s court which is heard by the sessions court ought to be upgraded.
Azalina also called for all cases involving children to be resolved within a year from when they are reported. – The Vibes, January 7, 2023
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