Petaling MP Maria Chin Abdullah and Kampung Tunku state assemblyperson Lim Yi Wei have called for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrant Act 2007 (Atipsom) to be set aside in the case of two Mongolian women who were allegedly taken to a hotel and raped by a police inspector.
"We thank our police team, led by PJ deputy police chief Ku Mashariman Ku Mahmood for the swift rescue of these women on April 12.
"We are also thankful for Petaling Jaya OCPD Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal’s clear statement which stated while the victims were found to have no valid travel documents and may be involved in the illicit sex trade, in this case, they are the victims and stern action based on existing laws will be taken," said Maria and Lim in a joint statement today.
On April 11, police arrested an inspector over the suspected rape which is believed to have occurred on April 10. The police officer was detained at a movement control order (MCO) roadblock in Petaling Jaya.
However, on April 14, three other Mongolian women were detained under an Interim Protection Order (IPO) after they lodged a police report in relation to the alleged rape.
Maria and Lim said the detention of the five women under Atipsom still left questions unanswered.
"The Bar Council and 18 NGOs have rightly raised the question of using Atipsom instead of the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) 2010."
"The WPA would prevent the five women from being retained in any form of custody and from unnecessary inquisition into their immigration status. Other than risking their well-being, the continued usage of Atipsom may derail the focus of the primary offence, that is rape," said the two representatives.
They urged that the IPO under Atipsom be set aside and the three women should be released.
"The focus should be on rape investigations and charging the perpetrator without delay.
"We also note that the inspector has been recently released on bail. If the alleged perpetrator can be released on bail, victims and whistleblowers should be accorded the same treatment," they added.
Selangor Criminal Investigations Department (CID) chief Fadzil Ahmat has confirmed that investigation papers were sent to the deputy public prosecutor’s office in Shah Alam this week.
The representatives urged that no stone be left unturned and transparency be the order of the day in this investigation.
They also thanked the police for their hard work in difficult times.
"Over the course of the MCO, public sentiment towards the Royal Malaysia Police has been overwhelmingly positive. Many citizens have a newfound appreciation for the police’s hard work in patrolling and manning roadblocks, be it rain or shine," they said.
"We thank all police officers at the frontlines and urge once again that the IPO under Atipsom be set aside, the release of the five Mongolian women from custody, the WPA be employed and transparency in the rape investigations." - Mkini
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