Karpal Singh has called for the Penal Code to be amended in order to provide for the death penalty for child rapists.

The DAP national chairperson said although he had prior to this campaigned for the death penalty to be abolished, the daily occurrences of crimes - rape in particular - against children means “the time has come time for the government to spring into action in the public interest, which demands introduction of measures which are bold and effective”.

NONE “This would send a clear message to would-be offenders that the law will not tolerate anymore the rape of innocent children,” said the veteran lawyer ( left ) in a statement.

The public has expressed outrage over recent reports of a man who was caught allegedly trying to rape a 10-year-old girl in a school bus.

Members of the public caught him after a kindergarten teacher heard the girl's screams coming from inside the vehicle.

“The anger and outrage expressed by all quarters in the country over what has transpired should find expression in amendment to section 376 of the Penal Code,” said Karpal.

Section 376 (2)(e) of the Penal Code stipulates that rape of a child under 12 is punishable by a term of imprisonment that may extend to 30 years together with whipping.

'Punishment not adequate'

“The question which arises is whether in such a case (as the recent one), the punishment provided for as the law now stands is adequate,” said Karpal.

“The amendment he proposes should provide for the death penalty in cases of the commission of rape on children,” he added.

anti rape crowd Given the possibility of an innocent man being sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit, Karpal said the guilt of the accused must be proven beyond any reasonable doubt.

“The execution of the death penalty is irreversible. The horror suffered by an innocent man condemned to death at the instance of the state is beyond imagination.”

Karpal said in cases as this, however, where the suspect has been caught red-handed in the act itself supported by the evidence of credible eye witnesses, there should be no difficulty in proving the case beyond reasonable doubt.

“The magnitude of the offence of rape of an innocent child in broad daylight, in the observance of eye-witnesses, must attract the need to amend the law,” he added.

“I call upon the government in coming sessions of Parliament to introduce the amendment I have suggested to section 376 of the Penal Code.

“I have no doubt, in the public interest, the opposition will support this amendment.”