Azalina said the commission, which will be an independent statutory body to protect and ensure the rights of children, will also raise awareness and educate the government and the public about such issues.

The commission will advise and assist the government in enacting legislation, administrative instructions and procedures, and recommend action to be taken, she said in a statement today.

It will also advise the government on its international obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and other related international agreements.

In addition, it will hold inquiries and conduct investigations into complaints about violations of children’s rights.

Azalina said the commissioner will lead the process of establishing the children’s commission through the drafting of a specific Act.

The announcement of the children’s commissioner will be made after obtaining the approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in line with Section 5(2) of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission Act 1999.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday said the Cabinet has agreed to set up an independent children’s commission to tackle neglect, abuse, and other social issues involving children.

Anwar said deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will chair a “social committee” to study the various issues involving children. The committee will also involve women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri.

Earlier this month, Azalina proposed that an independent commission be set up to safeguard the rights and well-being of children.

She said it would have more power and autonomy and could act as an oversight body on matters related to education, rights and crimes against children.

While such oversight was given to Malaysian Human Rights Commission’s (Suhakam) children’s commissioner Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, she said an independent commission would be more ideal.