Conduct internal probe on sexual harassment claim, NGO group tells PKR

A coalition of NGOs has urged PKR to conduct an internal probe into the sexual harassment allegation against Sungai Siput MP S Kesavan.

In a statement this afternoon, the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) said political parties should not tolerate such behaviour.

“We deserve elected representatives who respect women.

“We urge PKR to take this sexual harassment accusation seriously and immediately launch internal investigations. PKR should appoint an investigation panel that is independent, has expertise on sexual harassment and gender-diverse,” it added.

Apart from this, JAG, which represents 11 NGOs, said the panel should also review PKR's policies and response to sexual harassment generally.

The coalition also pointed out that existing criminal laws do not adequately cover sexual harassment, so police investigations into the matter might not resolve the case.

Previously, Malaysiakini reported that both Kesavan and a former Sungai Siput PKR treasurer had lodged police reports against each other.

The woman had accused the MP of sexually harassing her as well as sending her pornographic messages and showing her a Kamasutra book.

Kesavan, who denied the allegation, claimed the woman is smitten with him and wanted to wreck his marriage.

In his report, the MP accused the woman of flooding him with phone calls causing him mental trauma.

Yesterday, the woman told Malaysiakini that she would file a defamation suit against the lawmaker and the latter said he was prepared to face the matter in court.

Meanwhile, JAG said this case highlighted the need for the Sexual Harassment Bill to be enacted.

“PKR need not wait for the new law. PKR must hold itself to high internal standards.

“We urge all political parties to adopt internal policies to prevent and respond to sexual harassment.

“We applaud sexual harassment survivors for coming forward,” it added.

JAG also urged survivors of gender-based violence to contact the following organisations for free and confidential support: