MELAKA: The government remains committed to upholding international standards in cases of rape, particularly those involving minors.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the recent view expressed by Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat was his personal opinion.
“For now, we adhere to the international standard that ‘statutory rape is statutory rape’.
“I don’t think we will be shifting away from that position,” she told reporters after attending the Melaka and Negri Sembilan-level Anti-Bullying Tribunal Townhall session at the Al-Azim Mosque Auditorium here today.
Yesterday, Yusoff had suggested that discussions be held on the issue of ‘consensual rape’ cases to consider action against both parties involved, instead of only against the male.
He said this in response to the rising number of sexual offence cases in the state, with more than 90 per cent of reports involving consensual sex.
Azalina, however, said any proposal to improve the law could be channelled to the Criminal Law Reform Committee (CLRC).
Meanwhile, she hinted that the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) may hold a town hall session with minors to gather their feedback for the drafting of the Anti-Bullying Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament at the end of this year.
“Perhaps we will do it together with the Children’s Commissioner… we will invite the children, let them speak, and ask for their views because this law is meant for them.
“They may have their own ideas, suggestions, or criticisms. Today’s children are smart, very conscious of social media and other issues… maybe they will give us insights we ourselves are not aware of as adults,” she said.
– BERNAMA
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