Nancy: Ministry’s role in high-profile ‘Abang Bas’, Global Ikhwan cases is to safeguard children’s welfare

BINTULU (Sept 19): The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development’s responsibility regarding the ‘Abang Bas’ and Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISBH) cases is to safeguard the welfare of the children involved, said Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.

The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development said this responsibility is mandated under the Child Act 2001.

“I know some people have been criticising me on social media, asking why I’m so involved with Abang Bas and why on GISB, deafening my ears.

“It’s not that we’re busy with Abang Bas, the issue of children falls under our responsibility, as mandated by law. No one else can handle these matters except us,” Nancy told reporters here today.

She explained the Abang Bas issue had gone viral on social media, and it was her duty to act as entrusted by the law.

“It is our responsibility to take action, and our action is to report to the police,” she said.

On potential legal action against her, Nancy said she was merely taking steps to fulfil her responsibility.

“By all means, it is the right of individuals to take action against us. At least you all know that we have taken steps to fulfil our duty to protect the welfare of children under the Child Act. No one else has that authority,” she said.

Regarding GISBH, she clarified that the matter falls under police jurisdiction.

“It is within the police’s power and we are not the lead agency to arrest or investigate.

“That is the police’s authority. The police need us as protectors under the Child Act; our officers have the authority to manage children,” she said.

She urged the public to understand that the ministry has limited information to share because the police are handling the investigation.

“If we all care about the children who need protection, we should let the police do their job. The more you interfere with the police work, the more it will disrupt their investigation,” said Nancy.

She called on the public to understand their respective responsibilities.

“Our duty is to protect and manage children because they need help. Many children have been reported, including those who are autistic and need love and care. Our priority is to bring them to get medical assistance,” she said.

She stressed Malaysians should allow the police to carry out their duties without interference.

“After today, don’t say I haven’t spoken. I have been telling you since the first interview because that was what I knew at the time.

“Now, the police have taken action, and what they do next, they don’t tell us. This is what we call effective enforcement,” she said.

Nancy stated there is nothing hidden behind their actions and that they are fulfilling their duties under the law.

“Many NGOs want to help, but I say wait first. This is not an ordinary situation as it requires many parties to carry out their duties,” she added.