Published on: Friday, June 22, 2007 |
Kota Kinabalu: POLICE have so far found no evidence to prove that the mother of the four-year-old abused boy was directly involved in physically abusing him.
City Police Chief, ACP Ku Chin Wah said it was, however, clear that she did not stop the boy's 25-year-old stepfather from harming him.
"She has the responsibility to take care of the child but she did not prevent, probably because she could not, the husband from doing those things," he said.
"Now, because the boy still needs his mother, the 27-year-old woman has been released on police bail to take care of him.
"We will look at all angles, based on our investigations, to determine the charge she should face...whatever the recommendation and decision to be made (on her) will be made in the interest of the child. We have to consider the repercussions on the protection and welfare of the boy," he said.
On the other hand, Ku said police have enough evidence to charge the stepfather under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or not more than 10 years' jail, or both, on conviction.
