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KUALA LUMPUR – After more than a decade, the Dewan Rakyat has finally passed the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021.
However, the bill which began its journey in 2011, does not reach into the sporting fraternity.
Speaking to The Vibes, Safe Sport Malaysia (SSM) founding president Sarina Sundara Rajah said the passing of the bill helps pave the way for the Safe Sport Act which is to be tabled in December by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
“The passing of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill shows that the topic is taken seriously by members of the Parliament.
“But the bill and Safe Sport Act are two distinct entities. The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill does not cover anything about sports and those involved in it,” she said.
She said the Safe Sport Act protects both the athletes and coaches in the sports ecosystem.
“It is a comprehensive act, focused on safety, empowerment, and welfare for all those in the sporting scene. It protects everyone.
“Under the Safe Sport Act, we will have a Safe Sport Code. It is a code of conduct that every sports organisation in Malaysia uses,” she added.
Sarina also said the act will bring in a Safe Sports Centre, which will be run by an independent body, along with its own arbitrator.
“With the act, anyone who is a witness to sexual harassment will have an obligation to report it to the centre. There will also be protection for whistleblowers.”
Having taken 11 years for the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill to be passed, Sarina hopes the Safe Sport Act will not take as long.
“This problem of abuse has been ongoing for so long. But lately, Safe Sport has been getting a lot of traction.
“I hope it all goes well when the Youth and Sports Minister tables it in Parliament this December,” she added.
Nevertheless, she said it is great news that the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill has finally been passed, even though it came late.
“I myself have been a victim of sexual harassment and stalking.
“But during that time, there were no laws that could help my situation. It is fantastic news that it has been passed now,” said Sarina. – The Vibes, July 20, 2022
