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The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is urging the public not to speculate or share the personal details of the suspect and victim involved in the school stabbing case in Banting, Selangor
In a statement today, 7 July, the Children's Commissioners (CC) of SUHAKAM said both the victim and alleged perpetrator are minors and are therefore entitled to the protections and safeguards provided under the Child Act 2001 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to which Malaysia has been a signatory of since 1995.
The CC said that while the incident is currently under police investigation, the rights, dignity, and best interests of the children involved must be respected throughout the legal process.
They also highlighted the widespread circulation of photographs, videos, personal information, and unverified claims relating to the children.
According to the CC, such dissemination can cause lasting psychological harm, expose children to public stigma, interfere with police investigations, and compromise their rehabilitation and future reintegration into society.
The CC also called on the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances of the case, including the child's medical condition, disability, mental health, or alleged motive
The CC noted that the suspect's legal counsel recently stated that the minor is autistic.
"Should this information be confirmed, the CC stresses that disability must never be used to stigmatise, vilify, or incite hatred against any child.
"Every child, including children with disabilities, has the right to equal protection before the law, dignity, non-discrimination, and access to appropriate support services," read the statement.
Since yesterday, 6 July, photos of notes allegedly written by the suspect, along with her photos at the school, have been widely shared on social media, fuelling speculation about her mental state.
The suspect is currently on a four-day remand, while the victim is in stable condition.
