PMs apology demand a red herring, says rights group
A rights group today charged that the government is seeking to divert attention on the alleged rape of a minor by police officers, by insisting on an apology from the Philippines government for the mix-up over her nationality.
Labour rights organisation Tenaganita said it is irrelevant whether the girl is a Malaysian or a Filipina as the issue is over the alleged rape of a 13-year-old child while in custody of Sabah authorities.
"The fact that the girl was able to identify the seven men who had (allegedly) raped her should suffice for the government to act. It is therefore the responsibility of the government to take action against the perpetrators of the (alleged) sexual assault," said Tenaganita director Dr Irene Fernandez in a press statement.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad (photo)and Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar had called on the Philippines to apologise for making terse remarks to the press concerning the alleged rape of the minor, initially thought to be Filipina but now confirmed a Malaysian, without first allowing for investigations into the claims.
Mahathir, who received a strongly worded letter from Arroyo last month demanding action against the alleged perpetrators, said yesterday that Manila should have been more "sensitive" and "cautious" in making statements that could affect bilateral relations.
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