PARLIAMENT | The Legal Aid (Amendment) Bill 2017 which, among others, aims to ensure underage victims of sexual violence have access to legal advice was tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The bill tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said will include the term "legal companion" services to be extended to children who are victims of any form of sexual misconduct provided under any written law.

In addition, the legal companion would also be permitted to accompany the victims under his or her care to any court proceedings and to speak on their behalf if necessary.

Azalina said the bill would be tabled for second reading during this Dewan Rakyat sitting.

- Bernama