'Girls also initiate sex': K'tan govt backs proposal to amend statutory rape laws

The Kelantan state government has voiced its support for a suggestion by the state’s police chief to also press charges against girls involved in statutory rape cases.

Kelantan deputy menteri besar Fadzli Hassan reportedly said the proposal by Yusoff Mamat deserves serious consideration, commending the state’s police chief for his “genuine concern” over the social issue.

Fadzli (above) also claimed that the suggestion was not necessarily aimed at punishments, but was instead geared towards creating room for corrective and educational measures.

He argued in favour of ensuring “accountability” for both parties, rather than merely placing blame on one side, saying: “In many cases, the impetus does not only come from the men; sometimes it comes from the girls as well.

“In such situations, it is not right for only the man to be held responsible when the girl should also be equally accountable.

“That is why we cannot simply let it pass. If we do, it sends no warning to the girl, and there will be a perception that only the man is at fault,” the New Straits Times quoted him after a state executive council meeting in Kota Bharu today.

Fadzli also criticised the attitude of certain parents who blame only the male counterpart after discovering that their underage daughter had been involved in illicit relationships.

“Sometimes, when parents learn that their daughter has had sex, they immediately lodge a (police) report, and it is the boy who faces action.

“But, (such parents) fail to take responsibility to educate their own child. In such matters, both must be held accountable," he added.

Revising laws

Previously, Kelantan mufti Shukri Mohamed said Yusoff’s call for authorities to take legal action against both parties in a “consensual” statutory rape case warrants careful consideration.

The mufti said he is of the view that the current law should be reviewed to ensure all parties involved receive fair treatment, adding that social problems must be addressed at the source, rather than only responding after a case arises.

Federal Territories mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil Noor had also suggested that girls involved in underage consensual sex be made to bear responsibility, rather than being fully absolved of blame under the law.

Earlier today, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said said Putrajaya is looking into revising laws on statutory rape in a manner that will still uphold the principle of prosecuting offenders while protecting victims.

Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri had also commented on Yusoff’s proposal today, asserting that children who engage in underage sex - regardless of gender - need protection, guidance, and rehabilitation, instead of mere punishment.

Certain quarters have argued that Yusoff’s proposal is regressive, pointing out that underage girls are neither legally allowed nor mature enough to give consent to sex.

Lawyers have also suggested legal amendments to allow for provisions that aim to prevent the prosecution of minors for having sex with other minors within a specified age range.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, however, hit back at critics, claiming they have blown the issue out of proportion over what he deemed as Yusoff’s "personal opinion".

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