In a tweet today, Azalina said the recommendations illustrate how civil society is backing the government’s legislative efforts.

“Safeguarding children’s protection and well-being is a shared duty among Malaysians, extending beyond the government.

“We must establish our national integrity by championing the rights of every child,” she said, adding that she hoped the draft Children’s Commission of Malaysia Bill would be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat during the next meeting in October.

Azalina also said the government is committed to upholding children’s rights and recognises the significance of transparency and an independent oversight body, such as a children’s commissioner.

She said she had met key stakeholders, including talking to child commissioners overseas, and researched the issue carefully with a view to establishing an independent body to uphold the rights of all children in Malaysia.