PUTRAJAYA: The government will appoint a Children's Commissioner under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) in efforts to address abuse and social issues among children.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Children's Commission is a special branch under Suhakam.
"We have decided to appoint and create (the position of) a Children's Commissioner to join Suhakam.
"The commission will be an autonomous special branch under Suhakam, seeing there are too many problems involving children such as harassment, abuse and social issues," he said at a press conference at Perdana Putra complex here today.
Anwar said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will chair the social committee to review all the relevant problems under the care of Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who is the Women, Family and Community Development minister.
It is understood more details on the Commissioner's appointment will be revealed by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
On Jan 7, Azalina had again proposed an independent children's commission to safeguard the rights of children as this would provide a deeper understanding of legal processes related to children.
She had proposed the setting up of the commission in 2021.
Azalina had also said she would hold discussions with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to create a clear programme for better public awareness on sexual offences against children at primary and secondary levels.
Nancy had on Jan 5 assured that the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will improve its agencies involved in the protection of children.