Unicef: Appoint Children’s Commissioner for Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Unicef Malaysia has called on the new government to appoint a Children’s Commissioner as an independent adviser to monitor the rights and well-being of children.

This is to promote their best interests under the law and policy, said Unicef representative in Malaysia Dr Amjad Rabi (pic).

In congratulating Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on his election as the 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia, he said Unicef Malaysia was looking forward to working with the newly elected government to realise the commitments articulated in Pakatan Harapan’s 100-day promises.

He said a special representative focusing on children’s issues and reporting directly to Parliament, with the mandate to put children’s interests on the public agenda, would encourage different departments to coordinate their efforts and promote better laws for children.

“More than 60 countries worldwide have an independent commissioner for children and youths in place, including many OECD countries such as New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

“Unicef stands ready to assist the Malaysian Government to establish a Children’s Commissioner by providing the needed guidance and technical support in our partnership with the Government to better serve children.

“We look forward to working with the newly elected government in its vision to build a nation where the rights of every child is upheld, their voices are heard, and no one is left behind,” he said.

Describing GE14 as a historic moment for Malaysians, he said the younger generation had clearly expressed their aspirations for a brighter future.

“Their concerns are legitimate and their voices must be heard. Young people are eager to contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive Malaysia.

“A measure of a nation’s socio-economic development is how well it cares for children – their health, their safety, their education and also their participation.

“The best interest of the child should be the cornerstone of public policy and every decision made on their behalf,” he said.