Kuala Lampur, Sept. 23 -- I write this statement not just as a parliamentarian, but as a woman, as someone who cares deeply about the protection of our young, and as someone outraged that people in positions of authority can treat statutory rape-especially involving minors-with such callousness.

Recent remarks attributed to the Kelantan Police Chief-namely his suggestion that underage girls who consented to sex (i.e. in statutory rape cases) should themselves be punished-are beyond offensive; they are a betrayal of public duty. The idea that a victim-someone who by law is incapable of giving legal consent-should be penalised insultingly strips away the protection the law is meant to guarantee.

To clarify: Malaysian law is explicit. Sex ...