MCA Youth has applauded Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s recent emphasis on the ministry’s firm stance on disciplinary actions for sexual offences in schools, saying it is critically important for the government to continue implementing measures to prevent and address the issue.
According to MCA Youth deputy chairperson Mike Chong Yew Chuan, the focus must shift from questioning or blaming victims and towards addressing the perpetrators and the systems that allow such abuses.
“One of the most important aspects of addressing rape is ensuring that consequences are serious and appropriate. Perpetrators should not receive lenient sentences,” he stressed.
“For teachers who commit sexual abuse, penalties should extend beyond merely transferring them to a different position.
“Additionally, it’s important to remember that sexual abuse can be committed by students as well, as seen in a case in February where a female student was allegedly assaulted by three male students in Besut, Terengganu.
“In cases like this, a stern talk or seminar is inadequate; more effective measures like suspension, a permanent mark on their record, or even expulsion should be considered.”
Chong, who is also the party’s deputy information chief, said this in response to Fadhlina’s statement earlier today (Aug 12) that the Education Ministry has always been firm in dealing with sexual offences in schools.
Fadhlina said as soon as the Madani government had taken over the country’s administration, the ministry had been firm in dealing with this issue through the issuance and strengthening of the Sexual Misconduct Management Guidelines in educational institutions under the ministry.
Chong further lamented that despite repeated emphasis, there has been no significant change in how schools address the severity of rape or include sexual education in their curriculum.
He said the taboo surrounding these discussions needs to be removed to enable open conversations, and jokes should not be tolerated.
“Incorporating this topic into Health or Physical Education classes could raise awareness and offer support to those who may be silently suffering,” he added.
“The legal system must impose serious penalties for rape as lenient sentences can perpetuate violence and injustice, especially in schools where victims are often minors.” – Aug 12, 2024
