KUALA LUMPUR – Various NGOs and individuals have slammed the decision to appoint Arau MP Datuk Shahidan Kassim to the parliamentary select committee for women, children, and community development affairs.
In a statement today endorsed by 69 NGOs and 22 individuals, they said such an appointment would put into question the credibility of the committee.
This would be because Shahidan was charged with molesting a minor and later received a dismissal not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) by the courts.
“Additionally, this Arau representative opposed the creation of such a committee in the first place.
“During a time where the rights of women and children are going through tumultuous times due to the pandemic, it is important to appoint an MP that has credibility and the relevant qualifications towards women and children’s rights,” the statement today read.
Also, in the joint statement, they urged the Perikatan Nasional administration to retract Shahidan's appointment.
They also called upon opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rina Harun to oppose the Arau MP’s appointment.
“Malaysia has ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw) and the Conventions on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Government agencies and frontliners have worked tirelessly to fight against child abuse. Shahidan’s appointment clearly goes against these principles,” the statement added.
Earlier today, the appointment of Shahidan Kassim into the mentioned committee drew flak from many quarters.
Shahidan, who faced charges for molesting a teenager in 2018, was never fully acquitted by the courts. If the prosecution chooses, they can reinitiate those charges against him. – The Vibes, January 14, 2021
