Kota Kinabalu: A Barisan Nasional Member of Parliament's remark that there is nothing wrong with a rape victim marrying a rapist earned the condemnation of not just his party colleagues but also from the opposition and NGOs.The timing of his remark was also noteworthy as Datuk Shabudin Yahya, the MP for Tasek Gelugor, happens to be a former Syariah Court judge. On the eve of the current parliament sitting, the Government was forced to heed the demands of its coalition partners not to take over tabling of the PAS Private Member's Bill dubbed RUU355 that would have allowed Islamic courts to enforce punishment of up to 30-year jail term and fine of RM100,000 or up to 100 strokes of the cane for Islamic offences.Befrienders Kota Kinabalu President Datin Sri Siti Rubiah Datuk Abdul Samad, who is wife of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, said it is disturbing that a governing MP and ex-Syariah court judge has such a mentality.
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"Rape is an act of plunder, a violation, an act which is carried out by force. A rapist is usually a person of unsound mind who needs to overcome victims by force to feel good. They are usually mentally disturbed. Within a marriage, there have been cases of rape too when a partner is unwilling to carry out the act," she said in a statement, Wednesday.Siti Rubiah said girls who reach puberty and have a more mature physical body does not necessarily mean that they are mentally ready to marry, adding this is why many people are against child marriage or underage marriage."And how does marrying your rapist ensure a good happy marriage and reduce social problems?
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How do you expect victims to feel happy marrying a person who caused anguish and is mentally disturbed? What good can that bring?" she asked. She surmised that most probably the 'marriage' will end badly with children who would most likely be abandoned. "Rapists need to be counselled while undergoing their prison term.
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That could help rehabilitate them. And their victims definitely need counselling too to reduce their trauma."A disappointed Siti Rubiah said just when we applaud our Parliamentarians for their timely tabling and passing of the Amendments on the Child's Act and also the tabling of Amendments for the Domestic Violence Act, we get thrown back by an absurd and insensitive statement by a BN MP. PKR Sabah chairman Christina Liew asked if he would hold the same opinion if the victim happened to be a family member or close relative."We demand that this MP retract his stupid statement and tender his apology in all the front pages of the newspapers and the social media within three days from today (Wednesday)."Failing which we will launch a signature campaign against him. This is necessary to deter any further degrading of rape victims," Liew, who is Api Api Assemblywoman, said."Rape is a serious crime punishable under the law. The Malaysian Penal code defines Statutory rape as sexual intercourse with any minor below the age of 16 with or without her consent. "Victims are traumatised physically, emotionally and mentally. Some may never recover from the terrifying incidents which may destroy their whole life, and affect family members as well. "But here we have a lawmaker who believes that it is all right for the rapist to marry the victim after inflicting hurt on the latter. To say girls aged between nine and 12 years old are 'physically and spiritually' ready for marriage, and that at least she (rape victim) has someone who can become her husband is the most cruel, mean and stupid statement."SAPP Deputy President Melanie Chia said it is unthinkable that Parliament, which is supposed to be the August House, has a member of the quality and likes of Shabudin. "He has utterly no respect for the female gender, and has no empathy for the emotions of women who make up at least half of the population in Malaysia."He is definitely not fit to be an MP," she said in a statement.Furthermore, she said, this MP fails to know that the Malaysian laws define "child" as a person who is under 18. "How can we have faith in the government of the day with such an undignified parliamentarian?"Sabah DAP Wanita Chief Jannie Lasimbang denounced Shabudin as morally corrupt. "Rape is not a social problem but a heinous crime, and asking a victim to marry her rapist is like inviting someone who murdered a member of their family to live with the family."Shabudin obviously failed to understand the trauma that rape victims undergo. It is counselling and support that victims need most. Marriage will not serve as a remedy."He should resign as MP. We also concur with Batu Kawan DAP MP Kasthuri Patto's call to Umno President Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to sack Shabudin from the party," she said.Sabah Wanita MCA deputy chief Dr Pamela Yong said Shabudin must belong to the dark ages for being ignorant of the fact that Malaysia ratified international treaties that protects children and women. She also questioned his motive. Dr Yong, who is also Federation of Sabah Chinese Women Associations President, said his statement was tantamount to approving rape and offering rapists a loophole.Dr Yong also said those aged 12 or 15 are mentally and physically incapable of becoming a mother. "They are girls, not women. And certainly they don't have the body of an 18-year-old."Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Wanita Chief Zainon Hj Kayum Khan also said Shahbudin should apologise to rape victims for his insensitive remarks."Rape is a serious crime universally condemned by all, more so rape against a minor. Any suggestion or 'back door solution' which argued along the line of legitimising a rape crime by means of legal marriage should not be accorded any legal statue whatsoever."Rape against a minor should be dealt with strongly and mercilessly befitting the painful trauma caused to the victim," she said. Co-founder of LEAN Sabah, Hanaa Wong Abdullah's immediate reaction was to create an online petition (www.ipetitions.com) asking him to retract and apologise within 24 hours."Our children today are our leaders tomorrow. It is our inherent duty as responsible adults of this country to safeguard and protect our children's rights and well-being so they can achieve their greatest potential."We are very angry at the stupid MP's statement. We hereby petition the MP to retract his statement with an apology to all Malaysians within the timeframe. And if he doesn't, I will create another petition asking for his resignation. He is not fit to represent us, our people and our country," she said, when contacted.As at press time, the petition has garnered more than 700 signatures from concerned citizens in Malaysia, the United Kingdom, USA, Poland, Norway, Spain, Negara Brunei, Indonesia, India, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Sweden.Chairperson of the KDCA Women's Council, Joanna Kitingan said she was so disturbed by the statement, considering she has four daughters.Speaking in her personal capacity, she said : "The MP concerned is out of his mind. He does not have a conscience. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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