Green light for sex harassment tribunal appointments

KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Service Department (PSD) has approved appointments to the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said her ministry was informed of the approval on Tuesday.

“The tribunal aims to provide an alternative platform to improve the legal system and to handle sexual harassment complaints in a fast, easy manner as well as with minimal cost,” she told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

She added that the tribunal provided an effective avenue for sexual harassment victims to address their concerns.

She said the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 was being enforced in phases since March 28 this year.

The first phase involved advocacy on sexual harassment to the public.

“The second phase is on the formation of the tribunal,” she added.

Nancy was responding to a question from Wong Shu Qi (PH-Kluang) on the current status of the tribunal.

The tribunal is a critical part of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022, which was passed by Parliament in August last year.

It was gazetted on Oct 18, 2022.

Many groups have anticipated that the tribunal will also be set up soon.

However, the setting up of the tribunal has taken longer than expected by stakeholders, who have been waiting for the law to come into force.

Members will comprise a president and a deputy, who must have judicial experience.

There will be a minimum of five other members who also must have judicial or legal experience.

The tribunal will deliberate on sexual harassment complaints and provide a mechanism for anyone who has been sexually harassed to seek redress.