‘Men protection' law: PKR senator apologises, retracts proposal

PKR senator Mohd Imran Abd Hamid has apologised for his controversial suggestion to introduce a sexual harassment law protecting men from being seduced by women into committing rape and other crimes.

In a statement today, Imran retracted the proposal which he put forward in the Dewan Negara yesterday.

“Although my intentions were sincere, I did not expect it to be seen as a huge mistake which offended many women, as well as men who considered it an insult.

“As such, I offer my apologies and retract my proposal,” he said.

This comes after Imran was roundly criticised for his proposal, with various parties calling it "victim-blaming." 

Critics included Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Hannah Yeoh, women’s groups, politicians and lawyers.

Earlier today, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim (photo) rejected Imran’s proposal, calling it “unreasonable and insulting to women” and demanded a retraction.

Sabah PKR Wanita called for him to be replaced due to his repeated insulting remarks against women.

Previously, the former Lumut MP told the Dewan Rakyat in 2015 that the “sexy dressing” of athletes could lead to zina (illicit sex).

Imran had proposed legislation that “protected men” from being led by women to commit crimes against them.

"I propose a Sexual Harassment Act to protect men from the actions, words and clothing of women, which can cause men to be seduced to the point they can commit acts such as incest, rape, molestation, (watching) pornography and likewise.

"This is important, we (men) need to be protected. The actions, clothing of women can seduce us into breaking the law and causing us to be charged (with a crime).

"I ask that the minister consider this so that the men in this country are safe, and the country is peaceful," he told the Dewan Negara during a debate on the Syarie Legal Profession (Federal Territories) Bill 2019.

Imran had addressed his proposal to de facto Islam Affairs Minister Mujahid Yusof Rawa, who did not respond when wrapping up the debate. 

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