The anti-rape rally organised by All Women's Action Society (Awam) went without a hitch this afternoon at the KDU College in Petaling Jaya after two postponements last month.

About 500 people turned up at the event, including Women and Family Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Puteri Umno chief Azalina Othman Said, opposition Parti Keadilan Rakyat deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali and DAP Seputeh member of Parliament Teresa Kok.

Addressing the crowd, Awam president Dr Mary Suma Cardosa said the event today was a "real achievement" after it was postponed twice as the police refused to issue a permit for the rally.

Stressing that rape and violence against women are problems of huge proportions as rape has been occurring with a frightening frequency, Cardosa called for a concerted effort from all to stop the 'scourge.'

"And it's good to see so many of you here and to know that despite the obstacles we have faced, you have not lost your commitment to this initiative," she added on a happy note.

The anti-rape event themed 'Citizens Against Rape: Make Public Places Safe - Towards a Violence-Free Community' was initially scheduled two weeks ago at the Bangsar Shopping Complex..

However it was thwarted following Brickfields police refusal to issue a permit for a rally, to highlight citizens' concerns over violent and sexual crimes.

Gov't is concerned

The group then planned to move to the Mid Valley Exhibition Hall but it was also thwarted after the venue managers revoked permission when Awam could not produce a police permit. A small group nevertheless gathered with banners outside the shopping complex but police moved in shortly to disperse the activists.

Awam finally got the nod from the police on Monday.

In her speech, Sharizat said her attendance at the event not only showed her ministry's concern on violent crimes against women but also represented the concern of the government..

"If Awam did not invite me here today, I will also come as a mother and woman who is very concerned about security matters in the country," she said.

The minister also appeared to defend the police for their earlier refusal to grant the permit, saying their decision was to prevent any untoward incident from taking place.

"I'm glad that Awam didn't give up. I'm sure the police also support this anti-crime event ," Sharizat said.

Message to men

A representative from Man's Action Network Against Violence or Man V, Yunus Ali, also called on men to join forces in curbing the increasing crime rate.

"Man V shall send the message to all men and boys, that it is not being man to humiliate women, it is not being man to violate women, it is not being man to rape women. Those who humiliate, those who violate, and those rape are cowards, they are not men," he said.

Led by Sharizat, the group broke a chain with the signs of violence to mark the fight against rape.

Friends of two recent rape and murder victims, Nor Suzaily Mokhtar and Canny Ong, also spoke in their memory.

The 2-hour event ended with the launching of Awam's petition which demands that the relevant authorities provide effective and efficient enforcement of the law to ensure public safety.