KUALA LUMPUR – The proposed autonomous Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) task force set to represent children will address citizenship issues for those born to foreign mothers or fathers.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the task force will look into the matter immediately upon formation, and with the help of the Home Ministry.
“This is also an effort under the unity government that is concerned with protecting children whose statuses were not valid (as Malaysian citizens),” Zahid said in a statement.
Zahid’s remarks come after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the deputy prime minister will chair a social committee to look into child-related issues.
The Umno president said his appointment as chair of the task force committee was a huge responsibility as the problem of abuse and other matters related to children have yet to be resolved.
He added that he will facilitate the establishment of this task force immediately as it involves matters related to the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry.
Zahid also expressed hope that the new task force will be given powers to act as a supervisory body on issues related to children’s education, rights, and crimes against them.
Zahid also congratulated Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who previously proposed the establishment of an independent children’s commission to safeguard the well-being and rights of children. – The Vibes, January 18, 2023
