Where is legal help for harassment victims at tribunal, asks MP

 

Lawyers must accompany sexual harassment victims at tribunal hearings, says former Sabah deputy chief minister Christina Liew. (Freepik pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition MP Christina Liew (PH-Tawau) has raised questions on the absence of legal representation for victims in the Sexual Harassment Bill in the Dewan Rakyat today.

While debating on the King’s address, Liew said the absence of such provisions will deter victims from coming forward during tribunal hearings on sexual harassment cases.

“This is unfair for the victims since many of them would be fearful of coming forward if they don’t have lawyers to represent or accompany them at the tribunal hearings,” the former Sabah deputy chief minister said.

“It is important (to have legal representation) to guarantee justice for the victims at the hearings.”

Christina Liew.

She was interjected by Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) who asked why legal representation is not allowed during sexual harassment tribunal hearings when an industrial court, which is also a tribunal, allows this.

Liew also highlighted the calls by women’s rights groups for the bill to have “survivor-centric mechanisms”.

She said there was a need for victims to be protected from reprisals after tribunal hearings if the perpetrators are their employers or someone in a position of power.

“This bill does not prohibit future harassment against the same complainant, who will clearly be in a vulnerable position.

“I hope that the weaknesses in this bill will be fixed,” she added.

On Dec 15, deputy women, family and community development minister Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff tabled the bill in the Dewan Rakyat for its first reading.

The second reading is scheduled at the parliamentary sitting that takes place this month.

Recently, several women’s rights groups had called for the bill to be improved by having a clear definition of sexual harassment, and mandate a definite commitment by organisations (including educational institutions) to address such cases and provide effective redress.

They also want the creation of a tribunal to investigate sexual harassment complaints fast without affecting their privacy, protect against victimisation and provide remedies, including compensation or an apology from the perpetrators. - FMT