Rape case culprit must be dealt with seriously: Indonesia commissioner
Indonesia’s National Commission on Violence Against Women commissioner Thaufiek Zulbahary said the culprit of the alleged rape case, involving an Indonesian woman who was a domestic helper to Perak exco Paul Yong, must be punished seriously.
“We hope there will be no impunity.
“Whoever is the culprit must be dealt with seriously, under the relevant laws, in order to trigger a deterrent effec,t as well as seek justice for the victim,” Thaufiek said to Malaysiakini when contacted...
Indonesia’s National Commission on Violence Against Women commissioner Thaufiek Zulbahary (above) said the culprit of the alleged rape case, involving an Indonesian woman who was a domestic helper to Perak exco Paul Yong, must be punished seriously.
“We hope there will be no impunity.
“Whoever is the culprit must be dealt with seriously, under the relevant laws, in order to trigger a deterrent effec,t as well as seek justice for the victim,” Thaufiek said to Malaysiakini when contacted.
He also hopes the government will take efforts to ensure migrant workers from Indonesia are well protected.
“These protections, include providing legal representation, mediation and advocacy through our embassies,” he said.
The commission, he explained, has means to coordinate with the Foreign Ministry to keep up to date on their efforts on this matter.
At the same time, he also hopes the ministry will provide assistance in recovery to victims of sexual assault who have experienced trauma.
“Caring and dealing with issues faced by a victim is something which cannot be separated from the legal process that must be carried out as soon as possible,” Thaufiek said.
In a separate statement, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng (above) said the rule of law must be upheld at all times, regardless of the identity of the person involved in the case, be it an ordinary member of public or a senior government official.
“The arrest of Paul Yong, an exco of the Perak state government who is accused of rape by his former Indonesian maid, has indeed brought into focus once again the police’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
“The police must have gathered enough reasonable evidence before arresting Yong, otherwise the police would categorise the complaint as ‘no further action’ (NFA) or investigate the maid for making a false police report,” he said.
As this case has attracted the attention of international media and is being monitored by the Indonesian embassy, Lim suggested the police should apply for Yong to surrender his passport to the authorities if there is even the slightest possibility of him being a flight risk.
“At the same time, the alleged rape victim should not be allowed to leave Malaysia until the police have investigated the case thoroughly and the case has been tried in court, in the event that Yong is charged for allegedly raping her,” he said.
Yong has denied the allegation that he raped his former Indonesian worker.
The Tronoh assemblyperson, who was arrested and released on police bail, also said he was "shocked and baffled" by the accusation.
"I hereby unequivocally and categorically deny the allegation.
"I reiterate that I have never raped or sexually assaulted her," Yong said in a statement.
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