The Sabah Welfare Services Department (JPKA) has been directed to study the possibility of challenging the validity of a marriage involving a man and his underage rape victim under Syariah law.
In making the call, State Minister of Community and Consumer Affairs Jainab Ahmad said her ministry takes a serious view of the matter as it involves the public interest, especially in protecting children.
In this regard, she ordered the JPKA director to study the case from all aspects including the possibility of giving protection to the girl under the Child Act 2001.
"We want the Welfare Services Department to challenge the marriage and put her under protection even though she has married the alleged rapist. That is why we still questioning the validity of the marriage.
"As a mother, I am still puzzled how the father of the girl could have allowed her to be married to the man who raped her."
Jainab was speaking to reporters after closing a seminar on family harmony in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.
She was commenting on a case being heard at the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court which has received widespread coverage in the media.
Describing the case as tragic, she said the matter should not have happened.
"... we are very disturbed by what happened and we are sad the father allowed such things to happen to his innocent daughter.
"The girl was only 12 years and six months (old). I believe the victim is in trauma. She should be protected instead marrying the man who had raped her."
- Bernama
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