A coalition of women’s groups in Malaysia today lauded lawmakers for their role that led to the passing of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021.
The Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy Group, comprising the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality, ENGENDER, and Young Women Making Change, also thanked and congratulated the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry for the significant milestone.
“Women’s groups across Malaysia have lobbied for 30 years for this legislation. We could not have made it a reality without the support of our MPs, some of whom had journeyed consistently with us over the years for a comprehensive and survivor-centric law,” the group said in a statement today.
“We are heartened by their solidarity, particularly during the rigorous Parliamentary debate on the Bill, where many of them raised issues, which were constructive and critical for its effective implementation.
“We also commend our elected representatives for calling out sexist behaviour and the use of profanity in Parliament during the debate, upholding their stance against harassment and violence, in line with the spirit of the Bill.”
Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman was severely criticised by fellow lawmakers and women’s groups after saying some DAP women MPs were rude and indecent. Tajuddin also allegedly used an expletive while debating the Bill yesterday.
Opposition MPs have demanded that stern action be taken against Tajuddin.
The coalition of women’s groups added that with the passing of the Bill, victims can expect expeditious, affordable, and accessible redress via the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment.
The group said three key areas must be looked into to ensure that victims were fully protected:
● the enforcement of organisational duties to address and prevent sexual harassment;
● protection against behaviour that may not be directed at a person per se, but creates a generally hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment; and
● protection against victimisation for those who report sexual harassment and seek redress.
“As these critical areas have not been included in the Bill, which was passed yesterday, we urge the ministry to incorporate them into subsequent, and enforceable regulations, supplemented by thorough guidelines, to ensure that the legislation achieves its intended outcome.”
The group said its advocacy had been fuelled by generations of survivors of sexual harassment from all walks of life.
“Some have spoken up; many have yet to do so. We dedicate the passing of this law to all of them, honouring their struggle, courage, and resilience.
“We hope that this legislation will not be misused by irresponsible parties to curtail the human rights of marginalised groups, to perpetuate a culture of victim-blaming and moral-policing, or to violate the bodily autonomy and freedom of expression of others.
“The whole intention of the legislation has always been to promote and protect the fundamental rights of all persons, regardless of gender, race, religion, or background.”
The group added that while the battle was hard-won, its fight was far from over.
“With the passing of the Bill, we still have a long journey ahead of us to ensure that it is effectively implemented.”
The Anti-Sexual Harassment Group comprises:
1. Joint Action Group for Gender Equality, specifically:
● All Women’s Action Society
● Women’s Aid Organisation
● Women’s Centre for Change
● Association of Women Lawyers
● Justice for Sisters
● EMPOWER
● Family Frontiers
● KRYSS Network
● Perak Women for Women Society
● Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor
● Sabah Women’s Action-Resource Group
● Sarawak Women for Women Society
● Sisters in Islam
● Tenaganita
2. Young Women Making Change
3. ENGENDER
