What constitutes "consent" in a rape case? So long as judges do not have a standard definition on which to base their judgment, controversy is likely to arise over the decisions made.

Lawyers contacted in the wake of the acquittal of police constable Razali Pilen of two charges of rape, felt it is time for a clear definition of "consent" to be framed in Malaysia.

Razali was accused of raping two illegal immigrants at the Hulu Langat district police station lock-up in Selangor on Feb 24. The women were being held there because they did not have valid travel papers.

Ampang Sessions Court judge Mohammed Saman Mohd Ramli freed Razali of the charges on Monday, after concluding the women had consented to have sexual intercourse with the policeman.

However, the Attorney-General's Chambers confirmed that a notice of appeal was filed at the Ampang Sessions Court this afternoon. This will be followed with a petition of appeal once the prosecution obtains the written judgment.