She said the government is studying the proposal by Rodziah Ismail (PH-Ampang) in terms of the commission’s mandate, structure, legal framework and financial implications.

Azalina said this is to ensure it did not overlap with existing institutions, including the children’s commissioner under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

“The government believes that strengthening the role and autonomy of the Suhakam children’s commissioner should be the immediate focus, while further studies are done to identify the best institutional model based on international best practices and local needs,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2026 at the policy stage, Azalina noted that Malaysia’s child population under 18 was estimated at 9.13 million, or 27.4% of the total population in 2023.

Separately, she also reiterated that the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025 is expected to be tabled in December.

“I want to stress that the government is committed to tabling the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025 in this parliamentary sitting as promised.

“This reflects the government’s commitment to realising its agenda of legislative reform and prioritising the protection, well-being and safety of the nation’s children,” she said.