KUALA LUMPUR – Since exposing her teacher’s trivialisation of rape, 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam’s journey has been an exhausting one, but the overwhelming support she has received is keeping her going.
Speaking to The Vibes, her father, Saiful Nizam Abdul Wahab, said the support shown by leaders of various parties, NGOs, corporate bodies and individuals has helped change society's the mindset on rape.
He said he and his daughter welcomed the attention and the wider debate the issue has sparked.
“This is so our future generations can enjoy a better environment for them to fulfil their potential. This whole journey has been emotionally and physically tiring, but this is not only Ain’s fight, but it is for a greater purpose.”
Saiful Nizam said that, despite all that has happened, Ain Husniza remains in high spirits and will continue her fight until there is a clear response from the authorities on action and change.
Her advocacy continues as she speaks to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about her struggles, which will be aired at 5pm today on his Facebook page.
In a short post, he said the discussion will focus on current matters related to education as part of a bigger plan to create a safe environment for children in schools.
“Together, we will #MakeSchoolASaferPlace for our kids,” he said.
The discussion will be moderated by cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Alhaque, popularly known as Zunar, who himself has known Ain Husniza since 2019 and has taught her art.
“What many might not know about Ain is she actually likes drawing cartoons, and is good at it,” he told The Vibes.
Ain Husniza made headlines recently after she posted a TikTok video alleging a male teacher in her school had made rape jokes in class.
Her revelation sent shockwaves throughout the country, and Malaysians began demanding better safety and security for students.
She has lodged a police report against the teacher and on the rape threat she received from a fellow schoolmate, although it is understood the latter’s report has been dropped after the student and his family apologised to Ain Husniza’s family.
No action has been taken by the school against the teacher and student, although Ain Husniza is currently not attending classes over safety fears.
She had said this recent incident highlighted the urgent need for education reform. – The Vibes, May 6, 2021
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