PARLIAMENT | Issues surrounding non-discrimination against victims of sexual harassment based on the clothes they wore were among matters raised by lawmakers debating the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021 today.
Hannah Yeoh (Harapan-Segambut) (above) cited functions of the Women, Families and Community Development secretary-general as the appointed Special Anti-Sexual Harassment administrator to ensure that there will be no undue judgement placed on victims based on the way they dress.
Yeoh said this could be done through notices issued by the administrator to raise awareness about sexual harassment and its prevention.
“I hope any notices issued do not punish individuals based on how they dress.
“We often see notices in government buildings that say a person dressed a certain way will be denied entry,” she said.
Yeoh pointed out there were also cases when a victim lodges a report, law enforcers look at how they dress and instead of proceeding based on the report, the complainant will be scolded.
“So we want to ensure that such notices do not punish the complainant,” she said.
All groups must be protected
Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus (Harapan-Hulu Langat) said while Islam dictates how a person should dress, each individual is commanded first to protect their gaze.
“This shows that regardless of whether they are faced with a person who is dressed or otherwise, most importantly, everyone must first protect their gaze.
“Then only talk about the victims,” said Hasanuddin, who cited a Quranic verse from the Annur chapter.
The Amanah lawmaker also said the spirit of the law must ensure that no groups are being left as victims, including transgender people or those claiming to be other than male or female.
“Even though as MPs we do not recognise mak nyah, transgender or others...they exist around us and are affected by sexual harassment.
“We as MPs must think of how to offer protection so that no groups are left as victims,” he said.
In his debate, Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PAS-Kuala Krai) raised several questions, including whether wearing exposed clothing can be considered a form of sexual harassment.
He also reiterated that Muslims are required to cover themselves according to the set rules, believing it to be a form of protection against sexual harassment.
‘Three MPs called out for sexist remarks’
Meanwhile, Teo Nie Ching (Harapan-Kulai) called out three MPs who she said during her 14 years as an MP had repeatedly made offensive and sexist remarks, in questioning whether such acts could be brought before the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal.
Teo, in her debate, named Kinabatangan MP Bung Moktar Radin, Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and Baling MP Azeez Abdul Rahim as purported repeat offenders.
“I want to know if when we set up the tribunal, in this Dewan, there are still MPs making sexist remarks, can we bring them before the tribunal?
“Or will they continue to enjoy immunity based on matters raised in this Dewan? That’s my question for the minister,” she said.
Of the three MPs cited, only Azeez was present in the hall, and the Umno lawmaker triggered a brief outcry that also involved Ramkarpal Singh (Harapan-Bukit Gelugor) and Kasthuri Patto (Harapan-Batu Kawan).
Responding to Teo, Azeez insisted that his remarks were made in response to alleged provocations by a female MP.
“There’s a reason Kulai. How about if there is a female MP who calls the speaker a barua (stooge)?
“If they utter harsh words, expletives, we will get angry and reply to the person,” he said.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting will resume with debates on the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill tomorrow. - Mkini
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