The government has confirmed that suspects involved in the recent secondary school rape case in Alor Gajah, Melaka, will be subject to punishment under the Penal Code.
According to Buletin TV3, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stressed that being under 18 is not an excuse to evade legal action.
She explained that rape is a serious criminal offence and that charges can still be brought against minors, though proceedings may take place in a separate court depending on the suspect’s age at the time of the offence.
“Being under 18 does not mean one can escape punishment for committing a crime. Many people misunderstand this. Wrong is wrong, evil is evil. Punishment will still be imposed, although the court (for the charges and trial) may be different,” she said at a press conference today.
Azalina was responding to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s earlier statement regarding four students accused of raping a female schoolmate. The students have been allowed to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, which begins on 3 November.
Fadhlina said the decision was made to ensure the suspects’ education is not disrupted, even though they may still face legal proceedings.
Earlier, four Form Five students were remanded for six days until Thursday to assist in investigations into the alleged gang rape of a Form Three student at a school in Alor Gajah last week.
The remand order was issued by Senior Assistant Registrar of the Melaka Magistrate’s Court, SR Arthana, for all four male suspects, aged 17 and also SPM candidates, under Section 375B of the Penal Code for gang rape.