KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called for the immediate establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of human rights violations, mistreatment, exploitation, and abuse of children within Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings.
Suhakam, in a statement, said it supported the Office of the Children's Commissioner's proposal for the formation of the RCI, describing it as the most effective mechanism to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into these serious allegations.
The commission said that child rights violations were unacceptable, and the RCI investigation would pave the way for justice for the victims and comprehensive reforms to strengthen the child protection framework in Malaysia.
"The GISB case highlights significant weaknesses in oversight and governance, with abuse allegations going unnoticed for more than 10 years," it said.
Suhakam said that the RCI investigation must prioritise identifying institutional weaknesses that allowed human rights violations to persist unchecked.
"Following the exposure of the GISB issue, there is an urgent need for restructuring the governance of child protection institutions and alternative care under a single agency or authority.
"The GISB case underscores the fragmented regulatory framework," Suhakam said, citing examples of welfare or care homes falling under different jurisdictions.
"This includes the State Islamic Religious Councils, the Social Welfare Department (JKM), and in some cases, the Education Ministry.
"This has resulted in inefficiency and major failures in protecting children," it said.
Suhakam added that the RCI would not only hold perpetrators accountable but also address systemic weaknesses in the regulatory and enforcement agencies responsible for child protection.
"Children's commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki also emphasised that the establishment of the RCI would not only uncover the root causes of the mistreatment but also drive the necessary legal and institutional reforms to prevent such cases from recurring," the statement said.
The commission said it is time to reassess the existing monitoring mechanisms and ensure robust protection across all institutions responsible for the care and welfare of children.
Therefore, it urged the government and all relevant authorities to act swiftly in supporting the establishment of the RCI related to the GISB case.
"This investigation will send a strong message regarding the government's commitment to justice, transparency, and child protection.
"This RCI must provide a platform for victims, their families, and the public to voice their concerns, seek justice, and achieve resolution," it said.
Suhakam reiterated its readiness to assist in the proposed establishment of the RCI to uphold justice and accountability.
"We are committed to ensuring that the investigation not only brings justice to the victims but also leads to comprehensive reforms in protecting future generations of children from similar exploitation," the commission said.
It also advised all parties to fully respect the rights of victims, especially children, throughout the investigation process.
"Protecting children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect is a fundamental obligation under national laws and international human rights."