I must say that I don't agree with the premise that the recent Penal Code amendment has actually made it possible to punish with jail terms and strokes of the 'rotan' for husbands who rape their wives.

Based on media reports and what I've read thus far regarding this development, it appears that the Penal Code amendment merely recognises that a man may use physical and violent force in compelling his wife to have sexual intercourse.

It does not necessarily recognise and criminalise marital rape as such whereupon it is possible for a wife to not consent to having sex but is later forced by her husband into doing so. It does not appear to anticipate that physical intimidation could be uttered but not carried out or that threats of 'talak' (divorce) and accusations of 'nusyuz' (disobedient or traitorous wife) could be used to ensure compliance.

Rape is forced sex regardless of whether it occurs within marriage or without. The use of physical violence is a separate issue and is punishable under existing law. Marital rape should be recognised clearly and definitively as such.

Laws which punish the use of physical violence and assault should be enforced in any circumstance whether one is married or not. Marital rape needs to be clearly defined, recognised and criminalised both under the Penal Code and syariah law.