I refer to the Malaysiakini article Stop trivialising rape .

I was researching feminist perspectives in relation to Malaysian law when I read the above article. The writer of the article must be commended for his or her clarity in viewing the situation in terms of how the crime of rape is not taken seriously enough in Malaysia.

Having been a victim of sexual harassment in the past, I strongly identify with the writer's frustration and anger. I also have friends who were subject to the same.

Some also have experienced sexual molestation as little girls and others have been raped, only to be told by lawyers that it is realistically impossible to charge their rapists in court successfully.

I agree with many of the observations that the writer has made. However, I must add that women's groups have been fighting and are still fighting for legal reforms precisely because they take rape very seriously.

They have submitted recommendations that some laws, such as the very Evidence Act the writer mentions, be amended. Like the writer, they are unfortunately very well aware of the trauma rape complainants are dragged through in courts because of the work involving the counselling and provision of legal advice to victims.

Many of their recommendations were not implemented by parliament and made into law. The law owns the power to raise the standard for how decent human beings ought to treat each another.

I agree that the existence of better laws are necessary. In fact, their very existence would mean there is no need for stoning, which does not always guarantee rape prevention. Rapists who fear death penalties in other countries, murder their victims after raping them to cover up their crime.

Having been involved in the feminist movement and worked for a women NGOs myself, I agree that more needs to be done. We cannot compromise on this fact.

However, the reality of this work includes under-staffing, low pay and overwork. At the time I left employment with the All-Women's Action Society (Awam) there were only six full time staff left to handle the challenges of lobbying parliament for fairer laws, responding to the press, providing legal advice, counselling, educating secondary school students about sexual harassment and rape and fund-raising to continue this work.

To make up the hours, it was all too common to work three nights a week and also come in on Saturdays to handle the workload.

Financial realities and low pay makes it difficult for NGOs to attract employees who are able to seek higher salaries elsewhere in a time of economic uncertainty and a high cost of living.

This causes them to be highly reliant on volunteers, some of whom may be skilled and reliable. Most of the volunteers who are trained, however, do not return, which is just another reality of this work.

But we are not giving up.

It is hoped that many, like the writer, will continue to speak up in the papers. It is also hoped that more who feel strongly about these issues will engage in this work. The writer correctly observes that this is everybody's problem and more people are needed to provide feedback to human rights organisations.

Most importantly, to approach the relevant government departments to lobby for very the change our country needs effectively.