Teresa Kok

JOINT ACTION GROUP FOR GENDER EQUALITY (JAG)

PRESS STATEMENT

23 June 2006

We are most disappointed in the response of the Bar Council to the proposal by the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Codes in tabling a new sub-section 375 (f) of the Penal Code which states that a man commits aggravated rape if he has sex with a woman “with her consent, when the consent is obtained by using his position of authority over her or because of professional relationship or other relationship of trust in relation to her.”

The definition of rape needs to be introduced in order to reflect the different rape situations that cause additional trauma to the victim, be it physical or psychological, as well as to demonstrate society’s utter disapproval and intolerance for such acts. (more…)

Press statement by YB Teresa Kok, MP for Seputeh, Secretary of DAP Women and Member of the Parliament Select Committee on Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code on 22nd June 2006, Kuala Lumpur

I am disappointed with the comment by the Bar Council on the proposed new clauses that define aggravated rape to the proposed amendments bill on Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.

The Bar Council has criticised and objected to the proposed new paragraphs (f) and (g) recommended to be incorporated into section 375(2) as well as to the proposed new section 375A of the Penal Code in the proposed bill (more…)

by Beh Lih Yi and Ng Eng Kiat
Jun 21, 06 7:07pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/print.php?id=52835
Malaysiakini

The Bar Council has objected to a proposed amendment that would see rape by persons in a position of authority being treated as an offence, saying women could easily abuse the provisions should a relationship turn sour.

The council is against the introduction of this offence because it is redundant and since existing law already defines rape as sexual intercourse against the will of the woman.

It is further of the view that other proposed revisions to the Penal Code are not clear enough in relation in defining the circumstances of rape.

Criminal law sub-committee chairperson V Sithambaram (left) said this could be easily abused by women when a relationship or marriage turns sour.

“This proposed amendment is obviously designed to appease women’s rights groups (who have been) insistent on such an amendment. Amendments are easy to make but the repercussions must be considered and innocent men may be easily accused of rape,” he said (more…)