Nancy speaks to reporters after launching the ‘WCaRe Outreach Programme: Empowerment of Ethnic Communities’ in Kuching on Saturday.
KUCHING (April 11): Child sexual abuse (CSA) remains a serious concern that must never be taken lightly, with the government prepared to raise such cases with the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) where necessary, said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Minister of Women, Family and Community Development said that while the ministry has no jurisdiction over court decisions, it remains committed to ensuring such cases receive due attention through proper legal channels.
“We view sexual abuse against children as extremely serious and something that must not be taken lightly.
“As a ministry, we are always committed,” she told reporters after launching the ‘WCaRe Outreach Programme: Empowerment of Ethnic Communities’ at Surau Darul Salihin, Kampung Pasir Panjang here.
She was responding to a recent CSA case involving five boys aged between eight and 13 at a childcare centre in Batu Caves, Selangor, where one of the accused was granted RM30,000 bail, sparking dissatisfaction among victims’ parents.
Nancy said parents who are unhappy with a court decision have the right to appeal.
“When parents feel uneasy, they can appeal if they wish. From our side, at most, we can raise the matter with the AGC,” she said.
She noted that any form of intervention by the ministry would be discussed internally among government officials, as court decisions fall outside its jurisdiction.
“We cannot act based on what is being said publicly, as matters decided in court are not under our authority.
“However, as part of the government, we will try to assist in any way we can,” she added.
On whether the case would lead to amendments to existing laws, Nancy said it is not being considered at this stage.
“At this stage, we are not looking at amending any laws. We need to examine the court’s findings first — what led to the sentence imposed,” she said.