Deputy Internal Security Minister Mohd Johari Baharom's assertion that 'careless' women are to be blamed for falling victims to snatch thieves has drawn flak from opposition leaders.

DAP Seputeh parliamentarian Teresa Kok said Johari had sidetracked from the real issue.

"This is a classic diversion from an important issue. He should refrain from blaming the victims and look at the causes of the crime," she added in a statement today.

In replying to a question in the Dewan Negara on Thursday, Johari blamed the careless attitude of women for the high number of snatch theft cases.

"Sometimes, women like to carry expensive handbags and wear clothes that invite trouble," he reportedly said.

Commenting on the same issue, Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang described the deputy minister's reply as a 'brainless statement'.

Citing a report on Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan's 'disappointment' about sexual harassment faced by female police personnel from their male counterparts, Lim said Johari's claim was baseless.

"Going by the Johari logic of blaming the victim for the crime or wrongdoing, it is the policewomen who should be blamed for any sexual harassment in the police force?" he asked.

Stop the discrimination

In another development, Parti Keadilan Rakyat Women's chief Fuziah Salleh urged the government to stop discriminating against Chinese women entering Malaysia.

She was referring to the incident involving the detention and subsequent deportation of a Chinese national at the airport for having insufficient funds and accused of being involved in vice activities.

"PKR Women's wing views this incident and others involving Chinese nationals seriously. Such acts are prejudicial and discriminatory and must be stopped," she said in a statement today.

In view of the government hosting Visit Malaysia Year 2007, Fuziah said government departments, particularly the Immigration Department, must stop all discriminatory and prejudicial practices against foreigners, particular Chinese nationals.

"If this is not the case, time and money invested in Visit Malaysia Year 2007 [...] would be a waste to the cost of the country and its people," she added.