Wanita MCA chairperson Heng Seai Kie has taken a swipe at former deputy education minister Teo Nie Ching for allegedly "politicising" incidents of period spot checks in schools as more victims came forward to share their traumatic experiences.
In a statement today, Heng (above) questioned Teo's remarks demanding Education Minister Radzi Md Jidin and his deputies take action to address reports that period-shaming is a common practice, particularly in boarding schools.
"Why does the DAP Kulai MP now suddenly point arrows at the Education Ministry (MOE) and not before when she herself wielded the deputy minister's portfolio?
"As the MOE is deemed a heavyweight ministry, is Teoh Nie Ching (sic) piquing at MOE now over the 'period spot check' issue due to speculation that the 15th general election may be called once the state of emergency is lifted?" asked Heng.
Rather than allegedly wait for an opportune moment, Heng said an elected representative should promptly act on matters of public interests.
"This 'period spot check' issue is one concerning the violation of child rights, human rights to personal safety and dignity, besides personal privacy.
"What the DAP Kulai MP uttered on the issue once again proves that DAP never cares about the rights of the rakyat, but instead would politicise every issue for personal gain," claimed Heng.
At the same time, the former deputy minister echoed calls for an urgent probe into the allegations, comprising current cases and others that go back as far as 20 years ago.
Concerning the current cases, she suggested that a restraining order is obtained and served on alleged abusers to ensure a minimum distance from their victims.
Other suggestions from Wanita MCA include for relevant ministries to initiate a dedicated hotline or mobile application for victims to lodge complaints where their identity will be kept confidential and anonymous.
This was on top of issuing a clear guideline to completely prohibit "period spot checks" where disciplinary action will be taken against school authorities found flouting these guidelines.
"Wanita MCA reiterates that the 'period spot check' incidents are a gender/social welfare, human rights which can strike at anyone at any time. It has nothing to do with politics, race and religion at all.
"This is not the time for politicking but to address and put a period to the issue," stressed Heng.
Heng joined the lists of politicians who have spoken out against acts that have been described as sexual harassment, but over the years were normalised to silence the victims, mostly teenage girls.
Deputy Education Minister Muslimin Yahaya on Thursday said he had yet to receive any information on the matter, three days after the stories first went viral on Twitter and reported by Malaysiakini, among others.
Education Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin has yet to issue any statement despite repeated attempts to seek his comments. - Mkini
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