DAP veteran Lim Guan Eng has strongly condemned a proposal by Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat to amend the law so that victims of statutory rape who consent to sex could also face punishment.
Lim, who is also Bagan MP, described the suggestion as “ethically wrong” and said it “forsakes” the duty of senior police officers to protect women and children from sexual predators.
“Police officers have a fundamental duty to safeguard society, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. How can this be achieved if the rape victim is also penalised alongside the offender?” Lim said, calling the proposal not only misguided but showing a complete lack of empathy for minor victims of statutory rape.
Malaysia’s age of consent is 16, and sex with minors is considered statutory rape regardless of consent. Lim emphasized that the law exists to protect young girls from sexual exploitation, as they are not mature or knowledgeable enough to legally consent. He noted that most countries have similar laws, with only the age of consent varying.
“What makes Malaysia different that the victim must be punished simply for giving consent when she is legally incapable of doing so?” he asked.
Lim urged the Kelantan police chief to withdraw the proposal, apologize for his insensitivity toward women and girls, and instead focus on addressing the rise in rape and statutory rape cases in the state.
Yusoff Mamat had suggested that underage girls who willingly engage in sex should face legal consequences alongside their partners, arguing that it would deter teenage sexual activity. He said most cases in Kelantan involve mutual consent but current laws primarily target male offenders, and he planned to discuss the proposal with the Attorney General’s Chambers and other authorities.
