A DAP lawmaker has called for the establishment of a sex offenders registry following public uproar over the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) student in the United Kingdom who was found guilty of possession of child pornography.
In his statement today, Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari said that such a registry would ensure that sex offenders are prevented from committing pedophilia-related crimes.
“In many countries, a sex offender registry allows law enforcement agencies to monitor and place restrictions on the movements and activities of offenders, depending on their type of offence, sentence length and risk of re-occurrence. Restrictions include limited access to certain locations such as schools or day-care centres, being involved in work with minors, or using the internet,” he said.
The issue was raised in light of a case where a Malaysian scholar in Imperial College, United Kingdom, – who was caught in possession of about 30 000 videos and images including abuse involving penetrative sexual activity with children, and a life-sized mannequin of a young boy.
MARA has offered a second chance to the student following the jail term served in the UK – allowing the student to continue his education in any MARA institution in Malaysia.
Apart from that, Minister of Rural and Regional Development Mohd Shafie Apdal said the government intends to appeal to the court of London to lessen the student’s sentence.
Zairil said that in most countries, police personnel and relevant departments that deal with child welfare and education are able to access information like this.
Meanwhile, Damansara Utama State Assemblywoman Yeo Bee Yin slammed the government, adding that there should not be second chances for pedophiles.
“Shafie Apdal must explain to the public why the government should spend tax payers money (our government resources in London) to lessen the punishment for a paedophile?”
“Such actions will send a wrong signal to Malaysians that pedophilia is alright. Nur Fitri is a disgrace to our country and the fact that Shafie Apdal intend to appeal for him is even more disgraceful,” she said.
Yeo said that children’s right to protection outweighs the “freedom of a pedophile.”
She also disagreed with MARA’s decision to offer the student a second chance adding that it should review the scholarship selection policy so that taxpayers monies aren’t “wasted on a paedophile”.
She urged the government to protect children from paedophiles like the MARA scholar, by fully rehabilitating the student upon his release from jail.
“Former convicts should be prohibited by law from taking jobs that are related to children such as teachers and coaches,” she added.
-The Rocket
