Rape is no joke: Malaysians urged to take a stand against rape culture

Malaysians need to fight sexism by condemning sexist behaviour and by supporting women. Photo: Filepic

Survivors of sexual violence who heard actor Fauzi Nawawi’s rape comment on a local talk show are likely to be re-traumatised, self-blame, and feel that there is no recourse for the violation they experienced, says Engender Consultancy founder and managing director Omna Sreeni-Ong.

In the Rumah No 107 talk show on Astro Warna recently, Fauzi describes his rape scene with his co-actor graphically and even boasts about enjoying it, saying that he was “turned on” by it.

The scene in the 2007 film Anak Halal was subsequently deleted from the movie but Fauzi named the actress whom he filmed the scene with, who was still a teenager at that time.

“Rape and other gender-based violence are not a joke, it’s not funny and should not be made light of, whether in comments, jokes or other expressions,” says Omna.

According to UN Women, one in three women experience gender-based violence globally.

“The rape comment by Fauzi is extremely concerning as it perpetuates a rape culture in our society.

“This emphasises how much needs to be done before Malaysia can fully comply with the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Cedaw) and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls,” says Omna.

“Our Federal Constitution itself refers to no discrimination on the basis of gender in Article 8(2). Gender Equality is a basic human right of women and girls. These rape comments and jokes, which are a form of gender-based violence, especially disrespect and violate the rights of women and girls, as they are survivors of rape,” she adds.

Women's Aid Organisation deputy executive director and advocacy director Yu Ren Chung says: “Rape is not something to joke or fantasise about. It is a heinous act and a crime.

We men need to have an honest look at ourselves and make sure we are doing our part, says WAO's Yu.

“This conversation got the attention of many as it was on national TV. But unfortunately, this behaviour is so common, whether it is on national TV, social media, WhatsApp groups, the workplace, at home, at school or anywhere else, and rape jokes and sexist behaviour are just not acceptable,” says Yu.

“We men need to have an honest look at ourselves and make sure we are doing our part,” he says, adding that apart from refraining from making rape jokes or comments, or being sexist, Malaysians need to fight sexism by condemning sexist behaviour and by supporting women.

"It could be as simple as pushing back against a sexist comment in your work WhatsApp group. And it could include listening to a colleague or friend who has been harassed and offering your help,” he says.

Degrading, unacceptable behaviour

Sisters In Islam spokesperson Aleza Othman says that making light of rape has been so normalised in society to the point where people joke or comment about it without consciousness and remorse in public spaces.

“Such a rape culture shouldn’t be tolerated and must not be broadcasted on television or even allowed behind the scenes. It is degrading and dangerous to women as it can encourage physical and sexual violence,” says Aleza.

“What the actor did was disgusting and vile as he commented and joked about the rape scene excitedly on television without any sensitivity or thought of his co-actor’s reputation and also how she would feel,” she adds.

“We need to expedite the Sexual Harassment Act in Malaysia to protect women. The proposed Media Council should also set a standard on how such a rape culture will not and should not be tolerated,” she says.


Aleza also applauds the example and courage of Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam, the student who exposed and spoke out against a male PE teacher in her school for “joking” about rape and implying to male students that it was alright to rape adult women but not minors.

"Rape is rape, it’s wrong no matter who is happens to and Ain demonstrated tremendous courage in speaking out against it.

"Through her action, the #MakeSchoolASaferPlace movement has amplified a much-needed national conversation about sexual harassment in the country," she says.

Every time we allow any form of gender-based violence to go unchecked, we risk perpetuating an environment that allows another incident to occur, says Omna.

Don't let this go on

As a social enterprise committed towards advancing gender equality and women empowerment, Engender Consultancy’s 2020 national survey on sexual harassment in public spaces reveals that 60% of respondents have experienced sexual harassment, another form of gender-based violence, in public spaces.

“Every time we allow any form of gender-based violence to go unchecked, we risk perpetuating an environment that allows another incident to occur and this dangerous culture can only be stopped if we become upstanders and speak up to ensure action is taken,” says Omna.

She adds that several steps be taken to counter this rape culture. “Firstly, public awareness is important. This means education or re-education at all levels of society on the prevalent issue of gender-based violence and its impact, and also in particular, the need for respect and mindful behaviour,” she says.

“Secondly, all industries and organisations – and that includes TV stations such as where the talk show was aired – must have their own policy or code of conduct to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence. But more than that, these policies and codes of conduct need to be enforced and monitored,” she adds.

“Thirdly, it takes all of society to play their part in creating a society that is free from gender-based violence, because it is the responsibility of everyone. You can start by taking a stand against rape culture in your home, at the workplace or in the community,” concludes Omna.