The Parents Action Group for Education (PAGE) has urged that the students accused in the shocking gang rape case in Melaka be barred from sitting for this year’s Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
PAGE chairperson Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said rape — especially a gang rape incident that was recorded on video — is an extremely serious crime and should not be treated lightly.
“Rape is an act of violence, far more severe than bullying,” she said. “Not every student can or should be ‘saved.’ This is a grave and serious offence. They should face the consequences first before worrying about exams.”
She added that the students could always sit for the SPM resit or next year’s session, emphasizing that facing legal action must take priority over their education timeline.
Her remarks come after the Education Ministry confirmed that all four suspects — students from a secondary school in Alor Gajah — would still be allowed to take the SPM exams beginning November 3.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the ministry’s decision was made to ensure the students’ right to education is not disrupted, while legal action remains under police jurisdiction. She also said the ministry is focusing on school discipline, emotional support, and maintaining a safe learning environment for all involved.
However, Noor Azimah questioned the safety of schools if students accused of such a violent act are still granted access to examinations.
“In the United States, cases like this can be escalated and tried as adult crimes, not juvenile offences,” she said.
“The students should have already been suspended or expelled. Last year in Sabah, an SPM candidate was expelled simply for smoking in the school toilet — yet that was a disciplinary issue, not a criminal one. Such students can still be given a second chance to sit for exams, but rape is not a case where leniency should apply,” she stressed.
