Rape and child marriages are unfortunately very prevalent, ongoing problems in Malaysia. Activists nationwide have been fighting to get stricter laws against such crimes to be implemented for decades.
Although there are many politicians in support of protecting rape victims, some of them think otherwise.
According to a report by The New Straits Times, Tasek Gelugor Member of Parliament Datuk Shabudin Yahya spoke out in favour of child marriage at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (4th April).
Source: Ismaweb
In light of the Child Sexual Offences Bill being amended, he stated that victims of rape have the potential to live fulfilling lives if they marry their rapists. Yes, this man actually said that.
He even went on to say that girls between the ages of 9 to 12 years were “physically and spiritually ready” for marriage.
“They reach puberty at the age of nine or 12 and at that time, the physical state of their body is already akin to those 18 years of age.”
He didn’t stop there! Datuk Shabudin also said that at least the female rape victim will have someone who can become their husband, making it a “remedy to social problems.”
Needless to say, his statement received a lot of backlash from social media users and other ministers.
Source: The Star
According to The Star, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan expressed that he was disappointed with Datuk Shabudin’s statement, saying,
“Every child has the right to live, to dream, and to have fun. If the parents cannot provide a decent childhood for their children, it is the Government’s responsibility to protect the best interests of Malaysian children.”
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
Many of them explained why victims marrying their rapists would never solve the problem, justifying that the perpetrators of rape are dangerous and the victims should be protected from them.
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
What are your thoughts?
Also read: Pasir Puteh MP Says The Way To Stop Premarital Sex Is Through Child Marriage
