Penang Keadilan and Parti Rakyat Malaysia today launched a public signature campaign to demand the state government to direct all companies to enforce the sexual harassment code to protect women workers.

Dubbed the 'Sunshine Programme', the campaign is to further demand that Penang leads the way on the issue and that it should establish a citizen protection programme to ensure that women and children are safe in their own homeland.

The code was drawn up by women non-governmental organisations to deal with cases of sexual harassment at the work place. But as it is not considered compulsory, the NGOs are now pushing for a law to be enacted soon by Parliament.

PRM vice-president Rohana Ariffin said the issue is about public safety and safe working environment for women, which has worsened as the country embraces globalisation and its challenges.

Rohana, a former Universiti Sains Malaysia lecturer, said that the recent Canny Ong (photo) case is a stark reminder that crime against women and children were getting more hideous by the day.

She added it was a shame that while Malaysians continue to harp on the rhetorics of a caring society, Asian values and morals, less than 10 percent of Malaysian companies actually implement these guidelines at their workplace in order to protect their women workers.

Rohana rebutted the argument that the state may decline to direct companies to enforce the code for fear of losing foreign investment.

"Most multi-nationals have their own procedures of handling such cases. But we do not see this practised by Malaysian companies," she said.

"In fact, if workers felt protected, it would boost their morale and this would definitely benefit the company more," she added.

DCM Hilmi's case

The programme was launched in view of the recent brouhaha over Deputy Chief Minister Dr Hilmi Yahya's alleged interference in a sexual harassment case.

Hilmi had allegedly used his public office to appeal against a decision by the Immigration Department to terminate the work permit of an expatriate accused of sexually harassing his subordinate.

However, he has denied the allegation and assured the people that he was concerned and sensitive over incidents of violence against women, including sexual harassment against women in the workplace.

PRM also announced at a press conference today the setting up of its Penang branch's labour service centre which will handle complaints from workers, be they local or foreign.

Meanwhile, Keadilan state deputy chairperson Cheah Kah Peng, called upon Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon to investigate Hilmi's case thoroughly.

"If Hilmi is found guilty, appropriate action should be taken so as to set an example for the entire civil service, whose image and credibility have been often questioned and challenged by the people," he said.

"If indeed Hilmi is innocent, then the public should be told that this man has been inappropriately judged and wronged, that we should allow him to clear his name and reputation as well," he added.

Sexual Harassment Act

In a related issue, the All Women's Action Society (Awam) called on the government to implement the Sexual Harassment Act.

"There are many sexual harassment cases and not all are publicised. With a proper law, such cases can be handled better and there will be more protection for women," Awan's Manohari Subramanian said.

"But while we are waiting for the act to be implemented, we urge all companies to practise the sexual harassment code," she added.