Underage Status Does Not Exempt Rape Suspects From Law - Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The government assures that every rape or sexual crime case will continue to be investigated under the Penal Code regardless of the offender’s age, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

She stressed that being underage is not an excuse to escape accountability for committing such offences.

Azalina said all cases, including those involving school students or minors, will be investigated by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

She said that although the Education Ministry (MoE) has its own procedures for handling sexual misconduct, criminal sexual cases fall entirely under the jurisdiction of criminal law.

“For criminal law, it remains a criminal offence. The investigation and punishment will still be handled by PDRM. Let the police investigate so that appropriate action can be taken,” she told reporters after moderating the forum Nation Building and Future Resilience: Youth and Bullying here today.

Azalina was commenting on Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s statement that the four students suspected of rape in Melaka, all of whom are underage, will be allowed to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination scheduled to begin on Nov 3. 

Fadhlina said all legal proceedings in the case would be handled by the police, while the MoE would manage matters related to discipline, school support systems and the students’ education prospects.

Azalina, meanwhile, said if the deputy public prosecutor is satisfied with the investigation findings and there is sufficient evidence, the case will be brought to court. 

“If the offender is below 18 years old, the prosecution will proceed at the Juvenile Court. However, the charge will still be under the Penal Code,” she said.

“Let’s be clear. Wrong is still wrong, and evil is still evil. (If found guilty) punishment will still be imposed, though the proceedings may take place in a different court,” she added.

-- BERNAMA