Stop ‘policing' women's dressing, exercise plain common sense

THE police have been urged to exercise common sense and discretion when it comes to dress code, especially when members of the public arrive at a police station to lodge a report during an emergency.

Below is the full statement from Wanita MCA:

Common sense must prevail. The Home Minister must instruct all police stations to accept all reports irrespective of attire worn.

First and foremost, Wanita MCA acknowledges the services and sacrifices rendered by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in protecting society against criminals including cyber criminals and terrorists, even forsaking their lives in the line of duty. We also note the progress being implemented in particular to protect women and child victims of sexual assault, abuse and domestic violence.

Nevertheless, we also urge the police to exercise plain common sense especially when members of the public arrive at any police station to lodge a report.

Clearly, there is a sense of urgency and emergency when individuals file a police report as they seek assistance and intervention to investigate a matter and if necessary, to apprehend the perpetrator and deliver justice.

While the police may expect the public to be decently attired when lodging reports for civil matters, for example the death of a family member due to old age or prolonged ill health, common sense and discretion must prevail in times of emergency.

If any victim is being pursued by triads or would-be abductors and rushes to a police station for help, surely the victim would not be expected to leave the premises and find an outfit that conforms to the dress code.

Likewise, for victims of domestic violence, rape, grievous assault or deliberate arson, if they are drenched in blood or clad in pyjamas or have been stripped of their clothing, and rush to the police station for help and protection, would those victims be likewise expected to return home, take a shower first (and wash away all evidence), clean and groom themselves before steadying themselves to lodge a report at a police station?

Former inspector-general of police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan has clarified a valid point when he said that the police should not be “chasing” away those who want to lodge a report, as it was their duty to help the public.

As a main feature of the unity government is inclusiveness and compassion, Wanita MCA urges the new Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to look into the matter and remind and instruct all police stations to accept any reports lodged irrespective of garments worn. More confidence is gained with enforcement agencies when they become people-friendly/oriented guardians of security instead of moral police.

The women’s wing of MCA also urges the police to heed Law and Institutional Reforms Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said’s clarification way back in 2015 when as the minister in the prime minister’s department then, she said there was no dress code for the public when dealing with government departments and agencies.

WONG YOU FONG

Wanita MCA National Chairperson