Suhakam commends gov't efforts in tabling sexual crimes bill

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has commended the government efforts in tabling the Sexual Offences against Children Bill 2017 which saw a united front among all parliamentarians.

Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Razali Ismail expressed his hopes that with the legislation in place, protection mechanisms would be properly implemented.

"With the reformed bill, sexual abuse cases against children will be effectively reported and the perpetrators throughly prosecuted," he said during the presentation of Suhakam's annual report on Tuesday.

The bill that was tabled at the Parliament last week (March 28) by Minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said acknowledged the seriousness of offences against children.

According to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, 5052 sexual abuse cases were recorded among children since 2012.

The bill which was tabled for the first reading in the Parliament yesterday, among others, gives the right to separate accommodation or exclusive residential stay for the victim.

"The perpetrator will be asked to exit the house, and cannot stay in the same residence for a week. There will be a cooling period to give the victim a sense of security," she said.

On another matter, Razali also said that Sukaham welcomed the initiative taken by the government to explore the possibilities of abolishing death penalties.

"Suhakam reiterates that death penalty is against the right to live," he said. -- Bernama