Broken father says it’s the biggest test of faith in his life.
The claims by his daughters, aged 14, 9 and 8, that they were raped by their 18-year-old brother have hit the father hard.
“I cannot say for sure whether there is any basis to my daughters’ claims. I’ll leave it to the police to investigate,” he told the New Sunday Times.
“It never crossed my mind that my son could do such a thing to his siblings. He is a caring brother who doesn’t do drugs or smoke.
“I am praying hard that it is not true. I don’t think I can wake up from this nightmare,” said the 51-year-old man, visibly shaken.
The man said he was caught off-guard by what happened.
“I wish I had spent more time with them so that I could see if there was any change in their attitude.
“However, I have to work day and night to provide for them and put food on the table,” he said.
He said he was astounded by the rape claims as his wife was at home all the time with their children in Kampung Pulau Tiga, Sungai Layar, Kedah.
The couple have 12 children – five girls and seven boys – aged between 3 and 21. The son who allegedly raped his sisters is the third child in the family.
According to the man, his son was restless when he learned that his wife had lodged a report on Thursday, a day after the alleged rape of their eight-year-old daughter.
“I told him to turn himself in so that the police could carry out the investigation, and he obliged.
“Before leaving the house on Thursday, he hugged his siblings, telling them to take care of themselves and said he might not return,” he said, close to tears.
He said his three daughters were admitted to Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital for medical check-ups.
The man said the hardest thing for him during this challenging time was to hold the family together.
“It is not going to be easy, but I must remain strong for my daughters and son. They are all my children, no matter what,” he said.
Police obtained a week-long remand order until Jul 28 against the youth.
The case is being investigated under Section 376B of the Penal Code for incest, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment and caning if convicted.
Earlier report: Jul 22, Youth Who Raped Three Sisters Nabbed