KUALA LUMPUR – A refined anti-stalking bill is set to be tabled at the upcoming parliamentary session at Dewan Rakyat, said Deputy Law and Institutional Reform Minister Ramkarpal Singh.
In a statement, Ramkarpal said improvements have been suggested on the draft bill under the Penal Code 2022 and the Criminal Procedure Code, following engagement sessions with various stakeholders since January.
“The unity government is committed to creating laws regarding the offence of stalking.
“From the engagement sessions, I have proposed improvements to the draft bill to ensure emphasis is given to this offence holistically, covering all aspects of legislation,” he added.
The sessions were held to re-examine the provisions of the two bills and receive stakeholders’ perspectives on the matter.
Stakeholders include the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division, the Women’s Aid Organisation, and the Malaysian Bar.
According to Ramkarpal, a ministerial memorandum regarding the bill will be presented by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (law and institutional reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in the near future.
He added that the two bills are set to be tabled again in the Dewan Rakyat at the upcoming parliamentary session, subject to the Cabinet’s approval.
On October 3, the anti-stalking bill was passed at the Dewan Rakyat via voice vote after its third hearing.
The bill was tabled by then deputy law minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, with the offence described as harassment of another person with the intent or knowledge that the act will cause distress, fear, or alarm to their safety.
However, the bill was not tabled in the Dewan Negara at the same Parliament session, following the dissolution of Parliament on October 10.
According to Mas Ermieyati, the act of repetitive online stalking is also considered a crime and falls under the bill. – The Vibes, February 8, 2023
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