THE Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) Women Section expressed concerns over the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (AGC) appointment of a senior federal counsel to defend the teacher accused of making a rape joke by student Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam.
The group further urged the AGC to maintain a fair and neutral stance and not to take sides in this private lawsuit of either party.
“KLSCAH Women Section would like to reaffirm that the case of Ain who, after being sued for defamation had counter-sued both her teacher and former principal, is categorised as a private lawsuit,” the group said in a statement on Friday (June 10).
“If our AGC intervenes in a civil action (for the benefit of an individual), this will lead to an imbalance between the lawsuits.
“Furthermore, the intrusion of public power into civil suits will set a bad precedent within the judiciary system. It will also allow civil servants to freely use senior federal lawyers to defend them.”
KLSCAH Women Section further pointed out that local sexual harassment cases are reported widely by the media, and when the public expressed indignation and disappointment the Government had not only neglected to take legal action against the perpetrators but condone their actions by protecting them.
“This implicitly allows the culture of rape to take root in our country and this is absolutely unacceptable,” the group noted.
“Thus, KLSCAH Women Section urges the AGC to re-examine the said decision, to immediately withdraw the appointment, and also to listen to the voices, cries, and experiences of the victims.
“The Government must not deplete public trust over again and again to prevent further damage to their own credibility.” – June 10, 2022
Main photo credit: Yahoo News
