KUALA LUMPUR – Teenager Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam will file a RM5 million counter suit after being hit by a RM1 million defamation suit recently, said her lawyer, Datuk Sankara Nair.
Speaking to press outside the Sg Buloh district police headquarters, he said the counter suit will be filed on the basis that Ain Husniza has been subject to emotional distress.
Today, Ain Husniza appeared shaken and nervous as she arrived at the police station for questioning.
However, she said police investigations will not deter her from speaking out or continuing her mission to make schools a safer place.
“I was very nervous and scared, as much as any 17-year-old would feel, when I was called in by police. All I want is the feeling of safety in schools.
I did not intend to insult, defame or degrade any party. All I want is for schools to be safe.”
She also thanked Malaysians for the support shown.
Sankara said police are investigating Ain Husniza under Section 504 of the Penal Code for intentionally insulting with the intent for such provocation to threaten public peace.
If found guilty, she faces imprisonment of up to two years, or a fine, or both.
Sankara said the police report against the teen was lodged three months ago.
He said a formal letter of demand intending to counter-sue for RM5 million will be sent on Monday.
Present with Ain Husniza in a show of solidarity was Sg Buloh MP Sivarasa Rasiah, Petaling MP Maria Chin Abdullah and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok.
Maria slammed the decision to initiate investigations against Ain Husniza, saying such a move sends the message that it is acceptable for teachers to make rape jokes in schools.
“This action is no different than ‘killing the messenger’. I hope the police report (against Ain Husniza) will be revoked as all this is unnecessary.”
Meanwhile, Kok expressed empathy with Ain Husniza’s cause and said she herself has been a victim of sexual harassment in the Dewan Rakyat.
She also reiterated calls for the sexual harassment bill to be tabled in Parliament.
“The way the school is treating Ain Husniza is extremely unjustifiable. It is also unnecessary for her to be questioned; she’s only a schoolgirl,” said Kok.
Sivarasa expressed anger that a young student is being harassed and threatened.
“I view this issue as a severe failure by the Education Ministry as it should have controlled and handled this matter from the start.
“This is serious; this is a matter of sexual harassment in the classroom. Instead of this, she should be given protection.”
In April, Ain Husniza had spoken out about an incident in which her teacher allegedly made rape jokes in class.
Subsequently, she and her father filed a police report regarding the incident. However, police yesterday announced that the matter has been classified as No Further Action (NFA).
Her father also recently revealed on social media that Ain Husniza is being threatened with a RM1 million defamation suit filed by the aforementioned teacher. – The Vibes, August 6, 2021
