It’s about time that we have open discussions on the issue of child marriage for it deprives a child of her rights and robs her of a childhood as well, not to mention the physical, sexual and emotional trauma that inflicted on her.
I therefore applaud the initiative by a group of non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and individuals who have started the “Pelajar Bukan Pengantin” or “Student Not Spouse” campaign.
I pledge solidarity with their call to ban child marriages in the country and urge more Malaysians to come forward to support this initiative as well.
It’s also heartening to see the Islamic Affairs Ministry initiating discussions towards ending child marriages, in line with Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto.
While the ministry starts its talks with syariah judges for a review of Islamic religious laws that currently allow minors to be married, we need to arrest and charge the 41-year-old man for sexual grooming, at the very least.
He has publicly admitted to lusting after the child since she was seven years old. And using the marriage as a cover, he can abuse the child if she is not taken away from him and housed in a safe environment. It’s also disturbing to think that he is free and has access to other children as well.
We need to get this clear in our heads: child marriage sanctions sexual abuses against a child and allows paedophiles to continue operating under the radar.
Therefore, this is not the time for us to fear the possible political backlash from conservatives and our opponents.
This is the time to do the right thing by every child.
CHARLES SANTIAGO is Klang member of parliament. - Mkini
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