Most child sex cases have been solved, says Azalina

More than 80% of registered cases have been solved since the Special Criminal Court on sexual crimes against children started in June, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

There were 303 cases registered, of which 255 cases (84%) had been solved.

“If these cases were brought before the standard court, there would usually be many postponements to the point that some chil- dren would have grown up by the time the case is finally done,” she said, adding that the target was to dispose the cases within a year.

On the training being rolled out for judges and deputy public prosecutors handling child sexual crimes, she said lawyers may be required to be trained, too.

She said although defence lawyers were capable enough to assist accused persons, the welfare of the child victims must also be considered when subjecting them to court proceedings.

Azalina yesterday launched a working committee to devise a set of standard operating procedures (SOP) to better protect the rights of child victims, tentatively to be introduced by November.

The working committee would produce SOP on four issues related to sexual offences against children: receiving reports and conducting investigations, trials, handling child witnesses and protection and support for child sexual victims.

“These SOPs must meet the needs of child victims and be on par with international best practices,” said Azalina.

The committee comprises representatives from the Chief Registrar’s Office of the Federal Court, the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Bar Council, Health Ministry, Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, police, Legal Aid Bureau, Welfare Department, academics and non-governmental organisations.