Bar gives thumb up to stiffer penalty for rape offenders
The decision of the cabinet to impose heavier penalty for offenders who commit incestuous rape has been greeted with approval by the Malaysian Bar Council.
Bar Council chairperson Mah Weng Kwai said that the increase in sentence for this category of incest is appropriate for the purpose of reflecting the greater seriousness of the crime.
The decision, Mah said, also includes making a clear distinction of incestuous rape from consensual incest.
"However, the council noted with regret that courts do not have the discretion to impose a lesser sentence in whatever case.
"But by fixing a higher maximum of 30 years, it is noted that courts will retain judicial discretion to impose higher sentence in accordance with the seriousness of the case," he said.
For the rest of this story and more, subscribe for only RM150 a year. If you're already a subscriber, please sign in.
Sign in Subscribe now