CHAPTER 1 and from rural areas found the birth registration process very confusing and difficult as there were many administrative and procedural requirements. In addition, many indigenous people still gave birth at home instead of hospitals, and with the hassle in registration, many children were not registered at birth, giving rise to many other related problems as they would not possess a MYKID card; vi) The participants agreed that empowerment of children is needed. Although Malaysia has a Child Council under the MWFCD, concerns were raised as to its actual composition, selection process of the child representatives and their functions, and whether it was able to capture the voices of children from various backgrounds via the two child representatives who sat in the Council; vii) On the issue of child marriage, participants advocated for the standardisation of the age of marriage to 18 years; and viii) As for the likelihood of reservations on the CRC being lifted, it was highlighted that the stand of the Government was to ensure all domestic laws and policies should be in line with CRC before it withdrew any reservations. Recommendations (i) Law Reform The Commission recommends that the relevant criminal laws in relation to sexual offences against children and the definition of rape be amended to cover newer situations, and that all efforts be taken by the Government and all relevant stakeholders to expedite the passing of the new proposed Child Sexual Crimes Bill. Further, the Government must also ensure that mechanisms are properly implemented and the justice system is reformed to ensure that sexual abuse cases are effectively reported and thoroughly prosecuted.14 As the Commission has not been invited to the task force discussions pertaining to the Child Sexual Crimes Bill, the Commission hopes that it will be consulted in the drafting process of the Bill in order to provide any form of assistance from a human rights perspective. The Commission reiterates that having ratified the CRC, Malaysia must undertake to protect children from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, which includes the exploitative use of children in pornographic materials. Regrettably, specific legislative measures are still not in place to prohibit the specific offences of possession of child pornography and activities relating to the making or dissemination 14 Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, Press Statement No.27 (15 November 2016): <http://www.suhakam.org.my/press-statementno-27-of-2016-sexual-offences-against-children/> 36 SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2016 suhakam 2new.indd 36 3/23/17 5:54 PM