Timely opening of special court

TAWAU: The opening of a special court to handle child sex crime cases is timely in view of the need for speedy and efficient management of such cases.

Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the special court was not only to protect the victims’ welfare and rights but also to ensure prompt action against perpetrators.

The court is expected to start operating in Putrajaya in June, after a decision made following discussions between Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Chief Justice Tan Sri Md Raus Sharif recently.

“With the normal courts, there will be a long wait for cases to take their turns to be heard, hence the delays. We want the perpetrators to be charged, convicted and penalised speedily.

Azizah was speaking after officiating at the Tawau women’s “selawat” group assembly here yesterday. Sabah Resource Development and Information Technology Assistant Minister Datuk Hamisa Samat was also present.

Azizah also said the public should be aware that sex cases (rape) involving child victims below 16 years of age, even with consent, was deemed as statutory rape under Malaysian law.

She said parents should report to the police if their child had been raped but from her observation, in many such cases, the parents later withdrew the police reports because both their child and the perpetrator liked each other and they were married off.

“However, the decision to withdraw the police report lodged against a rapist to avoid action is certainly inappropriate.

“But if the family has made that decision, it’s their own responsibility. It’s not that we allow the rapist to marry his victim,” she added. – Bernama