Rape victims can ward off a “bleak
future” by marrying their rapists, an MP and former judge has suggested in
the Malaysia parliament.
Shabudin Yahaya, who is
a member of the Barisan Nasional coalition and former sharia judge, made the
comments in response to a proposal by an opposition member at the Houses of Parliament during
a debate over a bill on sexual offences against children.
The MP did acknowledged rape as a
criminal offence, but marriage between the victim and the rapists as a way to
solve social problems, the rapist can change thus living a healthier and better.
As for the rape victim she will not necessarily have a bleak future.
Yahaya also suggested that girls as
young as 12 might be “spiritually and physically” ready for marriage. His
comments has drew criticism from locals in his constituency, the country and
the world.