UNICEF URGES SUPPORT FOR AMENDMENTS TO PROTECT YOUNG VICTIMS IN MALAYSIA'S JUDICIARY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund’s (UNICEF) representative to Malaysia, Robert Gass, has urged all stakeholders to recognise the importance of the proposed amendments to the Evidence of Child Witness Act, which were tabled for the first time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Gass, in a statement published on the UNICEF’s official website, said these changes aim to create a more child-friendly environment in courtrooms, ensuring that young victims can provide their best evidence without undue stress or fear.

"Imagine a seven-year-old girl who has experienced domestic violence, a 12-year-old boy who has suffered sexual abuse, or a 14-year-old girl who is a victim of physical abuse.

“Now, imagine these same children, already traumatised by their experience, being expected to recount their stories in court," he said. 

He pointed out that there is growing public interest in ensuring child witnesses are treated fairly and can recount their experience without facing further victimisation or trauma.

“Protecting child witnesses and meeting their needs is not only crucial for serving justice in individual cases but also reinforces the values of ‘keyakinan’ (trust) and ‘ihsan’ (compassion).

“These principles, deeply rooted in Madani values, contribute to a stronger and more compassionate society. It sends a powerful message that the justice system is committed to protecting the vulnerable and upholding the rights of all,” he added.

Gass noted that the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, has been leading efforts to prioritise the best interests of the child in judicial settings.

Amending the Evidence of Child Witness Act is not just a legal necessity, it is a moral imperative, he said.

“Tabling these amendments is a step to make the judicial process more child-friendly,” he said.

"Our efforts continue so that the path to justice for children is made straight, laws are strengthened and perpetrators of crime against children are held accountable," Gass added, noting that this year marks 70 years of UNICEF’s presence in Malaysia, alongside a 60-year partnership with the Malaysian government.

Article 3.1 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Malaysia is a signatory, provides that in all actions concerning children, including in the courts of law, the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration, he said.

The Bill to amend the Evidence of Child Witness Act 2007 (Act 676), which aims to provide for the competency of child witnesses to give evidence in any proceedings, was tabled by Azalina. 

– BERNAMA