PETALING JAYA: While the National Children’s Policy was hailed as a step forward for children’s welfare, activists have highlighted key areas requiring further attention, particularly in its execution and inclusivity.
The policy unveiled last Sunday, said the government, builds on Malaysia’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and aims to promote children’s survival, protection, development and participation.
It outlines four main objectives and 16 strategic priorities that address health, education, safety and welfare, with a focus on the best interests of the child and a family-centred approach.
However, Datuk Dr Amar Singh HSS, a consultant paediatrician and child-disability activist, said there was a need for clarity and accountability regarding the policy’s execution.
“As a policy, it is in principle welcome. But it is hard to evaluate it without the planned deliverables.
“It is not difficult to write a good plan; the key will be in its implementation,” he said when contacted.
He said critical questions remain unanswered, such as the mechanisms for achieving objectives, resource allocation, agency accountability and timelines.
He also called for an independent audit of the outcomes of the previous National Children’s Policy and Action Plan (2009-2015) to assess achievements and shortfalls, a process he described as essential for good governance.
Dr Amar said while the policy claims to include “all children in Malaysia” regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status, its scope is limited by “existing regulations and legislation currently in force”.
“This last line means we will continue with existing discriminatory policies towards some children in Malaysia, in particular the stateless, refugees, migrants, those in detention, and even possibly the disabled,” he said.
He highlighted Malaysia’s reservations to five articles of the UNCRC, including those addressing non-discrimination, nationality and free primary education, which he argued undermine the policy’s commitment to equality and equity.
Another point of contention is the reliance on local data, which he believed may not always reflect the true scope of challenges.
For instance, he said the policy cited childhood disability rates at 4.7% based on the 2016 National Health and Morbidity Survey, whereas international organisations like the World Health Organisation estimate the figure to be at least 10%.
“It is important that we look at international data for some areas as it may be more accurate.”
Dr Amar urged for the accompanying action plan to be made available for public evaluation and feedback, adding that holding government agencies accountable is a hallmark of a mature society.
Datuk Dr Hartini Zainudin, a children’s rights activist, echoed these concerns, emphasising the importance of addressing cross-cutting issues like child participation, justice, education and protection.
“These are questions that the ministry (Women, Family and Community Development Ministry) must answer,” she said, urging the government to prioritise comprehensive measures that genuinely uphold the rights of all children.
Children’s Commissioner to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Dr Farah Nini Dusuki said while the policy has been commended for its comprehensive objectives and strategies, effective implementation remains a critical priority.
She raised concerns regarding the policy’s fourth objective, which focuses on children’s participation.
Farah Nini stressed the need for children’s voices to be meaningfully included in policymaking and decision-making processes, particularly on matters that directly affect them.
She said there are several child councils at the local, state and national levels and suggested that representatives from these councils be given the platform to contribute actively and meaningfully.
