The Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) has slammed Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid for allegedly perpetuating victim-blaming remarks in her recent social media posting.
In a video talking about sexual consent and rape that was posted on her official Instagram last week, the DAP lawmaker said that it is unfair for women to say they were raped when they initially consented to having sex with their partners.
WAO said such oversimplified framing reflected a misunderstanding of consent, as portraying rape allegations as merely a case of someone “changing their mind” could reinforce harmful myths about sexual violence.
“Sexual violence is never the responsibility of the survivor. Responsibility lies solely with the person who commits the act without the other person’s free and voluntary consent,” it said in a statement today.
In the video, Syerleena said that while rape is a serious offence, it shouldn’t be used as leverage if the relationship later turns sour or feelings are no longer reciprocated.
“Please, do you understand what rape means? Rape refers to an act committed without the woman’s consent, as well as acts committed against underage girls.
“So my advice to women out there, before doing anything, gang, think carefully first. Do not be easily deceived by men’s sweet promises.
“When it was done willingly but the love was not reciprocated, or you ended up disappointed, that does not mean you can accuse the person of rape with your allegation,” she said.
Syerleena also warned men against pursuing sexual relationships with women if they had no intention of marrying them, cautioning that “you won’t be safe”.
“What is certain is that rape is a serious offence and must be punished with a severe penalty. However, falsely claiming to have been raped is also a serious offence and must be punished,” she added.
The posting garnered significant traction on social media and attracted a wave of misogynistic and sexist comments.
The video has since been deleted on Instagram, but as of press time, it appeared visible on Syerleena’s TikTok account.
Scrutiny on consent
WAO said such narratives have long been used to cast doubt on survivors and shift attention away from whether consent existed.
WAO stressed that consent can be withdrawn at any point during sexual intercourse, and that initially agreeing to sexual acts does not amount to ongoing or blanket consent.
It added that victim-blaming narratives discourage survivors from reporting sexual violence or seeking support, while allowing perpetrators to evade accountability.
“Victim-blaming narratives shift attention away from the actions of the perpetrator and place survivors on trial instead.
“Rather than asking whether consent existed, society begins questioning the survivor’s motives, behaviour, clothing, relationships, or credibility.
“These narratives make it harder for survivors to seek medical care, report sexual violence, or access support,” it added.
The group further cautioned that parliamentarians hold positions of public trust, and that their remarks shape public understanding and attitudes surrounding issues.
WAO also urged Syerleena to publicly clarify her remarks and assert that consent must be voluntarily given and could be revoked at any time; that it does not imply permission for future acts, and that the responsibility for rape lies solely with the perpetrator.
Consent and accountability
The issue surrounding Syerleena’s remarks is the latest in a series of public debates in Malaysia over consent and accountability in sexual offences, with previous remarks by public figures also drawing scrutiny over whether they risk shifting responsibility away from perpetrators.
In September last year, Federal Territories mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil Noor suggested that underage girls involved in consensual sex should bear equal responsibility rather than being absolved under the law.
Fauwaz said such provisions appeared biased and marked an underlying problem, as extramarital sex clearly contradicts Islamic teachings.
“Exempting certain groups from punishment risks encouraging repeat offences. It also ignores the reality that in many cases, both parties willingly participate, even if one is underage,” he said.
His statement appeared to be justifying Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat’s suggestion that girls involved in statutory rape cases should be charged alongside the adult male perpetrator.
Yusoff received significant backlash for his statement, with DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng urging him to retract his “outrageous” suggestion and Lawyers for Liberty co-founder Latheefa Koya deeming the police’s suggestion as “beyond ridiculous”. - Mkini
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