PAS MP Says "Lustful Girls" Would Seek Casual Sex If Child Marriages Are Banned
According to media reports, the Syariah Court received more than 1,000 applications for child marriages in 2015.
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 07 Apr 2016, 05:34 PM
On 6 April, PAS MP Datuk Nik Mazian Nik Mohamad, said that banning child marriages would lead to girls seeking casual sex to satisfy their lust
Nik Mazian Nik Mohamad (PAS-Pasir Puteh) said it will become a major issue because these girls posses lust for sex.
He said this after interjecting Teo Nie Ching (DAP-Kulai) who debated the Child (Amendment) Bill 2015 in the Dewan Rakyat.
"Can I get (your) explanation. The case of a 14-year-old (girl)... Was it mutual consent or (was she) forced by the man?
"If it was mutual consent, that means the child has sexual lust and the major issue now is that children under 16 want to have sex or already have casual sex.
"If we restrict them from getting married, (their) lust will remain, and they will be exposed to premarital casual sex, what is your view Kulai (MP)?" he asked.
malaysiakini.com
Responding to the Pasir Puteh MP's controversial statement and question, Teo asked, "Having sex with someone below 16 is statutory rape. How can we allow our child to marry a rapist?"
She was referring to a case of a 40-year-old restaurant manager who married a teenager he had allegedly raped.
The accused was charged with raping the 13-year-old girl in Inanam, Sabah, in February 2013.
"There was proof that the rapist sent money to the girl's father and asked the father to allow him to marry the girl. Was this a deal or justice?" added Teo, as reported by political news portal, Malaysiakini.
Agreeing with Teo, Ampang MP, PKR's Zuraida Kamaruddin enlightened that certain parties have been using child marriages as a shield against statutory rape, as girls are forced to marry their rapists
Meanwhile, PAS Kuala Terus' Khairuddin Aman Razali, is under the opinion that if the situation calls for it, fathers should be the one making wise choices for their underage daughters as marriage offers protection for the girls
Nik Mazian's view was equally shared by Khairuddin, who said the child marriage ban would only led to 'zina' (adultery).
He opined they should opt for child marriage, which is less detrimental than adultery.
The system that allows child marriage should not be blamed neither should the girls be held to be at fault for the marriage, he said.
malaysiakini.com
In a written reply to Teo, Women, Family and and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, revealed that a total of 827 child marriages took place in 2015
Family and and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim
Image via Malay Mail OnlineThe Shariah court system received more than 1,000 applications from Muslims for permission to marry minors last year, Parliament was told today.
Rohani disclosed this in her written reply to Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching, who asked for the number of marriages involving those under the age of 16 and steps taken to address such instances.
"For child marriages registered by the Sarawak Native Customs Council, the number was 294 cases in 2015," she said.
Rohani previously stated that her ministry and the government did not condone the practice, but accepted that it was allowed under the country’s Shariah legal system.
themalaymailonline.com
Referring to child marriages as a form of modern day slavery, DAP's Syerleena Abdul Rashid, spoke about the ills of child marriages and how it ruins their chances of developing into mature, educated individuals
It(child marriages) puts children in situations where the level and quality of education are severely compromised, hence, barring them from actively participating in this country’s labour force.
Child marriages occur not because of religious sanctions but because of patriarchal cultural systems that allow such marriages to take place.
The most common reasons for child marriage are poverty, lack of education, gender inequality in society, insufficient laws and the cultural belief that a girl 'would be safer once married'.
In these communities, decisions are being made by men (i.e. political and religious leaders) and women often feel incapable of making their voices heard. Therefore, we must empower both girls and women through education and raise awareness to ensure they understand their rights.
malaysiakini.com
According to the Malaysian civil law, the minimum age for marriage is 18, while Syariah law allows Muslim boys and girls to marry at the age of 18 and 16, respectively
