The Women's Centre for Change (formerly Women's Crisis Centre), Penang is concerned by the recent statements made by both Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar ( Sun , Oct 15; New Straits Times , Oct 16) asking for an apology from the Philippine government. WCC feels that this sidesteps the issues of an alleged custodial rape and subsequent deportation of a 13-year-old Malaysian child.

Clearly the issue at hand is alleged custodial rape and not nationality. Irrespective of whether the child is a Malaysian or Filipina, a rape of a minor has allegedly taken place in a detention centre. This is an extremely serious allegation which warrants immediate investigation.

If this allegation is found to be true, then the perpetrator(s) must be brought to justice. The behavior of police personnel and guards in police lock-ups and detention centres must be subject to scrutiny in the light of recent incidents.

Secondly, it is also of grave concern that a Malaysian child was detained and deported. This is in direct contravention of several articles in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (to which the Malaysian government is a signatory).We are deeply concerned with the welfare of this deported child.

Instead of focusing on obtaining an apology from the Philippine government, the relevant authorities should investigate and give answers to the alleged custodial rape, wrongful detention and wrongful deportation.

It is high time our authorities find the courage to take responsibility and act accordingly.