PUTRAJAYA: The proposal that underage girls involved in consensual sexual relations should also face legal action is merely the personal view of the Kelantan top cop, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said the suggestion by Comm Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat does not represent the stance of the government or the Home Ministry.
“That is his personal view. It has not reached a point where I need to comment further,” he told reporters after inspecting operations at the National Registration Department yesterday.
He added that Comm Mohd Yusoff’s remarks were made based on statistics and the situation specific to Kelantan.
The minister reiterated that such opinions do not reflect the national consensus, adding that the government would only make decisions on delicate matters through proper legal processes.
“If it involves national policy, it must be tabled in Parliament, properly governed and any relevant Acts amended first,” he said.
Recently, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the government remains committed to upholding international standards in cases of rape, particularly those involving minors.
She said any proposal to improve the law could be channelled to the Criminal Law Reform Committee.
On Sunday, Comm Mohd Yusoff suggested that discussions be held on the issue of “consensual rape” cases to consider action against both parties involved.
