PETALING JAYA: Several rights groups are hoping the newly passed Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill will not be misused to curtail human rights by irresponsible parties or to perpetuate victim-blaming and moral policing.
In a statement, the groups also commended the MPs in Parliament for calling out sexist behaviour and the use of profanities in the debates, upholding their stance against harassment and violence in line with the spirit of the Bill.
The Bill was passed on Wednesday, ironically after controversial Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman ranted against female opposition lawmakers, even calling them indecent, during Dewan Rakyat debates.
The groups comprise the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) – a coalition of 14 civil society organisations – Engender and Young Women Making Change.
“We hope that this legislation will not be misused by irresponsible parties to curtail the human rights of marginalised groups, to perpetuate a culture of victim-blaming and moral policing, or to violate the bodily autonomy and freedom of expression of others.
“The whole intention of the legislation has always been to promote and protect the fundamental rights of all persons, regardless of gender, race, religion or background,” the statement read.
The anti-sexual harassment laws cover all individuals, irrespective of gender.
The statement noted that victims could now look forward to “expeditious, affordable, and accessible” redress via the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment.
“Hence, intersectional and diverse representation of the tribunal members is critical to ensure effective protection of all persons who come before the tribunal.
“This battle was certainly hard-won, but our fight is far from over. With the passing of the Bill, we still have a long journey ahead of us to ensure that it is effectively implemented,” the groups said in the statement yesterday.
They also called on the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to ensure the legislation achieved its intended outcome, adding that the legislation should be improved when necessary upon monitoring and evaluation.
Under this law, those found to have committed sexual harassment may end up paying their victims up to RM250,000 in compensation or, in default, serve a two-year jail term.Meanwhile, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun said he would find out what transpired during the Tajudin episode.“I was not presiding at that moment. Let me ask the Deputy Speaker who presided at the proceedings then. Let me handle this matter,” he said.
Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng said it was “no laughing matter”, adding that it was important to address the matter for the dignity of the House and the women MPs.
Their exchange took place at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday after the end of the question-and-answer session and before the tabling of Bills.
“I hope the Speaker can call him. Let’s not play games. If he had said it, ask him to admit, retract and apologise.
“If he is brave, ask him to swear that he didn’t use expletives because everyone here heard him,” Lim added.
On Wednesday, during the debate on the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, Tajuddin railed against Opposition lawmakers and apparently used an expletive too.
The war of words was sparked when he accused several Opposition MPs of deliberately instigating and provoking their counterparts, including the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, during debates.
But Deputy Speaker Datuk Rashid Hasnon only issued a warning to Tajuddin, who was upset with the remarks made against him by some Opposition MPs the day before.
On Tuesday, Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching said several MPs were prone to making sexist remarks while in the House, naming Tajuddin, Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
