The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) said the continued refusal by the government to fully recognise marital rape as a crime is demeaning to women nationwide as it denies a woman the right both over her body and to say no in a marriage.
“It is shocking that our country continues to allow marriage to be a license for a man to force sex on his wife,” JAG said in a press statement.
“The reality is that rape and sexual violence occurs within marriage, and sadly represents a common form of domestic violence,” it said.
JAG said the refusal to recognise marital rape exposes the lawmakers’ outdated acceptance for the absolute submission of a wife to her husband.
“JAG calls upon the government of Malaysia to remove the exception to marital rape in the law as a clear rejection of the violence that has been perpetrated against women under the guise of marriage, and to increase its efforts to combat domestic sexual violence in our country,” it said in the statement.
The de facto Law Minister, Nancy Shukri told Parliament on June 10 that the government had no plans to criminalise marital rape and that the government is maintaining Section 375 of the Penal Code, which among others, states that sexual intercourse by a man with his wife is not considered as rape.
In a written reply to Ramkarpal Singh (DAP - Bukit Gelugor), Nancy said decision was taken based on the study and findings of a parliamentary select committee set up to look into amendments to the legislation in July 12, 2006.
READ: Criminal offence if wife injured during sex – Nancy
JAG said currently, Section 375 of the Penal Code contains an exception that states that sexual intercourse by a man with his wife is not rape, regardless of the wife's consent or lack thereof.
“The exception reflects a lack of awareness by legislators of the dynamics of rape and especially the impact of rape within marriage,” the statement read.
According to JAG, statistics gathered by religious authorities in Selangor state that “rough sex” is one of the top reasons for divorce among Muslim couples.
“This trend of sexual violence within marriage is further reflected by police statistics from 2013, which show that 31% of victims faced sexual violence from their partners, or former partners including boyfriends, fiances, and ex-husbands,” JAG said.
Astro Awani
Sat Jun 13 2015
JAG said the refusal to recognise marital rape exposes the lawmakers outdated acceptance for the absolute submission of a wife to her husband.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.