KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Children’s Commission Bill aimed at creating an independent commission responsible for advocating and enhancing the protection and rights of children is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat next week.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said she was optimistic that the first reading of the bill could be done before the current session of Parliament ends on November 30.
She said the amendment to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission Act 1999 would also be made concurrently with the tabling of the children’s commission bill.
“Once we are done with the 2024 supply bill, we will have three more days for the tabling of other bills, so we will try to table this bill during this session, at least for the first reading.
“However, for now, we shall focus on getting the supply bill passed,” she told reporters after checking out an exhibition in conjunction with the World Children’s Day celebration here today.
At the same time, Azalina also expressed hope that all parties will unite on matters related to the protection and rights of children brought to both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
“I have an opinion that the issues on the vulnerable group, especially children, must be made into reality with the participation of MPs from both sides… you have to stand united for the children,” she said. – November 20, 2023