GEORGE TOWN – Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto has slammed Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun for the lack of progress in tabling the Sexual Harassment Bill, after calls for it to be tabled are renewed amid allegations made by a former athlete.
Kasthuri said Rina had in July last year announced that the Bill will be tabled in 2020 as it is in the final stages of drafting.
However, she added, it is strange that the Bill, which was supposedly ready to be tabled in March, is still with the attorney-general for vetting, as announced by Rina in Parliament last December.
Kasthuri said Rina on February 14, again, stated that the Bill is expected to be ready in March.
“Stop using the emergency to cripple the progression of the Sexual Harassment Bill to be tabled in Parliament. Prioritise it. Reach out to us.
“Speak to members of civil society who have been advocating this for decades.
“Have an online meeting with MPs across the political divide to look through the draft of the Bill to give constructive criticism, suggestions and professional opinions to strengthen the document.”
Kasthuri also reminded the women’s minister and attorney-general that there should not be any more excuses.
“We shouldn’t act or react only when it (sexual harassment) happens to one of us.”
The Batu Kawan MP also said many Malaysians are stepping forward as survivors of sexual harassment but there is no clear-cut law to protect them.
Her statement comes after former national swimmer Cindy Ong shares her experience of being a survivor of sexual harassment and teenager Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam alleges that her teacher made a rape joke in class.
“Having a Sexual Harassment Act will mean that women and men need not fear of losing their jobs, being demoted and unjustly treated, discriminated and ‘cold-storaged’ if they come forward to file a complaint against their harassers.
“It also means that enforcement officers will be empowered to submit reports on sexual harassment after their investigations without being concerned on which law to use, like now. The same applies for cyberbullying as well.” – The Vibes, June 6, 2021
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