The visit by Education Minister Radzi Jidin to a vocational college in Kuala Lumpur following allegations that period spot checks had been conducted has led to questions of why he had taken so long to act over the matter.
Women leaders told Malaysiakini that the latest round of alleged violations that were reported at the ERT Vocational College in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur would not have happened if Radzi had been proactive and transparent on the matter.
"This could be another Pandora in terms of sexual harassment allegations.
"While Radzi had made the effort to visit the college, he, however, failed to acknowledge and address the allegations in the first round.
"As far back as June, he made the promise to establish an inquiry body to look up the issue, but nothing has come of it," said PKR Senator Fadhlina Sidek.
She reminded Radzi of the 100 days KPI for ministers set by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob when he took office and said Radzi should be judged on how he has handled the matter.
"Your 100 days are almost gone and so far, you have failed to protect our girls from sexual harassment and there's no effort to establish a child protection policy to address this form of harassment.
"The allegations were horrible, and it was stated that the girls refused to allow such spot check," she added.
A source said that about 30 other girls aged 18 or 19 were rounded up at around 7.50pm on Oct 18, given cotton buds and were told to ‘prove’ they were on their period.
Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto censured Radzi, saying he must prove that he is serious about protecting the dignity of girls and women in schools and colleges.
"If stern action had been taken in April this year in the first exposé by Malaysiakini against these purported teachers conducting period spot checks, then this may not have happened.
"This issue is not a new one and has been going on for decades as shared by even the mothers of children who have to undergo this embarrassing procedure.
"An investigation is of course needed into the matter but how long will it take until we see action taken against these teachers who dare to conduct these degrading, insulting period spot checks," she said.
Radzi must instantly send out circular
Kasthuri said Radzi should immediately send out a stern circular to all state and district Education Departments on this policy or approach by the Education Ministry that no period spot checks be conducted in any schools from here on.
"He must also assure parents and students that whistle-blowers will be protected when reports of these horrifying spot checks are conducted," she added.
Bandar Utama assemblyperson Jamaliah Jamaluddin was also unhappy with Radzi’s silence on the matter.
"I really don't know what's the need of visiting the college for confirmation on the incident. If he would have taken a stronger stance and been more efficient, this won't have happened in the first place
"If they are committed and had proceeded with the committee meeting, this won't happen. Isn't it more efficient to start discussing in the committee that is supposed to be functioning?" she asked.
Various groups and public figures - including the All Women’s Action Society (Awam), Azalina Othman Said, Rafidah Aziz, Anwar Ibrahim, Hannah Yeoh, Teo Nie Ching and Maszlee Malik - have also called for the ministry’s action on the matter since the incidents were first reported in April.
Similarly, members of the cabinet - such as Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Rina Harun - have expressed their dismay at the occurrence of such incidents.
At the time, the Titiwangsa MP vowed to engage with the relevant authorities to ensure that the practice was stopped.
In June, Radzi said that the Education Ministry was in the final stages of forming an independent committee to look into existing procedures that addressed complaints on the practice of period spot checks in schools, as well as other related matters.
Key details on the probe’s committee have yet to be disclosed to the public. Malaysiakini has sent more than 10 enquiries on this matter without receiving a response.
The ministry’s initial investigation - which was carried out in response to public outcry and reported complaints - purportedly did not indicate that such practices and other disturbing incidents had occurred.
These incidents - some of which date back to 20 years ago - allegedly include showing blood-soaked sanitary pads, performing vaginal swabs with either cotton buds, tissues, or fingers, or having a teacher, warden or school prefect pat the students down at the groin to feel if they were wearing a sanitary pad.
In response to the inconclusive investigation, Malaysiakini submitted a list to Radzi, which named 15 schools where female students were allegedly subjected to period spot checks.
A copy of the list was also sent to Radzi’s deputies, Muslimin Yahaya and Dr Mah Hang Soon, as well as the ministry’s secretary-general and Corporate Communications Department.
The list was sent along with other details, such as the dates of alleged offences (most of which dated from 2011 to 2018) and the wardens or teachers who were named by the students.
The names of the alleged victims were not included in the list.
Separately, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) had also conducted its own investigation on the practice of period spot checks in schools administered by the agency.
However, it has yet to release a statement on the findings of its investigation, contrary to what was initially promised by Beaufort MP and Mara chairperson Azizah Mohd Dun on May 6. - Mkini
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