'Politicians who harass journalists should be dropped as GE14 candidates'

Female politicians across the political divide have declared “zero tolerance” against male politicians who sexually harass female journalists, saying political parties are responsible for disciplining its members for such behaviour.

All urged investigations into these claims and if such claims were proven to be true, perpetrators are unfit as political leaders and should be dropped as election candidates.

Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) vice-president Chew Mei Fun (photo) said such behaviour was not befitting of public representatives.

“If this is found to be real, this person is not fit as a political leader,” she told Malaysiakini.

However, she emphasised the need for a police report to be made to enable thorough investigation into these claims.

“If this case is found to be true after a police investigation, it should be brought to court for judicial action,” added Chew, a former women, family and community development minister.

There is no specific law on sexual harassment but Section 509 of the Penal code stipulates that a person guilty of any words or gestures intended to insult the modesty of a person could be jailed up to five years or fined, or both.

In the original Asian Correspondent report entitled "Female journalists, male politicians and the epidemic of sexual harassment in Asean", a Malaysian female journalist recounted how politicians from the ruling party as well as the opposition had allegedly stroked her thigh, molested her and sent her inappropriate text messages.

Another female journalist said a married MP had persistently sent her text messages outside working hours asking about her dating life.

Both women admitted they had not reported these incidents as they felt they needed to “maintain good relationships” with these men for the sake of their career.

‘Zero tolerance’

Meanwhile, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar said her party has agreed to handle sexual harassment claims against its leaders “aggressively” after discussing the issue in its politburo meeting last night.

“Last night’s politburo decided to address this issue aggressively.

"If it involves our members, it certainly requires action by the disciplinary committee.

“(Political parties are responsible for) sensitising their leadership, having zero tolerance for such practices and educating future candidates (about this issue),” she said when contacted.

DAP assistant national publicity secretary Teo Nie Ching (photo) also said that political parties had a role to play in disciplining its members.

“If the allegations are true, actions must be taken, both legally and by the political parties involved.

“(Political parties should) even consider dropping them as an election candidate,” Teo told Malaysiakini.

Joining the chorus was Umno Puteri executive council member Khaidhirah Abu Zahar, who expressed concern for the claims made by female journalists in the article.

However, in view of the serious nature of such claims, she urged investigations to be launched to establish the truth before any action was taken.

“This issue needs to be assessed on a ‘case by case basis’ and I should not give my comments only based on (claims made in) an article that we have yet to have proof of.

“This is also to prevent unfounded speculation.

“(However) on part of the Creative Development Bureau and Puteri Umno, we are ready to offer full support and assistance for victims not only in these cases but also in other cases,” said Khaidhirah, who leads the bureau, in a statement.- Mkini