LETTERS: Sexual harassment can happen to anyone. Nobody should be subjected to this, including the LGBT community.
Although the LGBT way of life goes against Malaysia's cultural or religious values, it does not mean that they can be subjected to sexual harassment and hostile treatment.
Any such wrongdoing committed towards the community, particularly sexual harassment, should be strictly dealt with under existing law, such as the recently gazetted Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 [Act 840].
The act provides a right of redress for any person who has been sexually harassed, the establishment of a Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment, and to raise awareness and prevent the occurrence of sexual harassment.
Section 7 (1) Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 [Act 840] states: "The Tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any complaint of sexual harassment made by any person".
Due to the complexity over the nature of sexual harassment, there is no universal definition agreed upon by all nations.
However, many countries define sexual harassment as a type of harassment that relates to a sexual nature and it is unwelcome or unwanted by the recipient.
Sexual harassment can happen anywhere; at the workplace, in schools and universities, inside public transport, at recreational parks and other places.
Besides legislation, education also plays an important role in putting an end to sexual harassment as well as other types of harassment and hostile treatment.
Every person in this country needs to know that harassment and hostility of any type towards anyone is wrong.
Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow
Associate Professor
Faculty of Syariah & Law
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
