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TheSun 2009-09-14 Page10 at The Beck and Call of Politicians
TheSun 2009-09-14 Page10 at The Beck and Call of Politicians
letters
letters@thesundaily.com transport, rather than the logging companies.
To engage with the Penans may be difficult for
the police. If the level of mistrust is so entrenched,
Tedious detective work crucial to rape probe why can’t the services of the various missionaries
in the area be called upon?
Problems faced by these isolated communities
ONE word best describes the recent headlines about recently and the news makes grim reading. from ours, does not make them less deserving of should not be an excuse for us to drag them into
the Penans. Disgust. I can understand the need for a special report our compassion. urban dwellings, or what we term civilisation. The
About a year ago, when the story was first reported to be commissioned to record statements, wit- The special report commissioned by the minis- modern world and all its inherent deleterious ef-
in the national dailies, I wrote to stress the importance of ness accounts and other necessary information. ter has been made available to the public. Names fects are already destroying their way of life. They
discretion and sensitivity in solving the allegation of rape However, it is despicable that the police have of the logging companies involved have been have already indicated that they will modernise
in the Penan community. The nation must be shaking claimed that they are unable to make any arrests noted. Further follow-up investigations should but that they will accept development at their rate.
its head in disbelief to discover that the matter remains because they need detailed information from the begin immediately by the police. And we should respect their wishes. However, as
unresolved. The follow-up investigation was reported Women, Family and Community Development Logging companies have designated crews Malaysians they deserve the same rights as any
Ministry. living in encampments in the jungle where the log- other urban Malaysians.
Is it not bad enough that these children (for ging is carried out. The lorries they use are expen- The list of workers in the logging companies
that is what some of them still are), and the young sive (I know because I had friends who managed during the alleged time of rape is available. The
women, have suffered? And now it is suggested logging operations in the Baram district). Lorry male workers should be treated as potential sus-
that the police are unable to act “for lack of in- drivers go out on shifts and wherever the activity pects, their DNAs collected and checked against
formation”? These young girls have been trau- is carried out, there is always a list of personnel the children and girls who were raped.
matised through a violent act. Some may never on site or on duty. The children who were the result of the rape
recover from their ordeal. All will have horrific A little detective work is crucial. It would be are as much victims as their mothers. However, the
memories of the rape. A few will have to live with long and tedious but it is possible to investigate mothers, the true victims in this tragedy, should be
the consequences of an unwanted child. Possibly by backtracking, using all the available informa- provided with appropriate counselling, as well as
even disease. tion that the ministry has painstakingly gathered. financial and other appropriate help.
The cost of bringing up a child, both emotionally Moreover, there is always someone who will brag It is hoped that there will be recommendations
and financially are thrust on their little shoulders. or boast or who knows something and has a guilty from this specially commissioned report that would
For those who had dreams and aspirations of conscience, and will eventually talk. include victim care and counselling, an increase in
furthering their education or of helping their com- The question of mistrust is understandable, but funding for the police, a special and dedicated
munity, these will have to be set aside. Added to should not be a factor to hinder further investiga- team trained to monitor and investigate rape or
this will be the shame, the guilt and the feelings of tion. The Penans have tried to highlight their plight sexual crimes, measures to address cultures and
anger and sadness. All of them will be emotionally but several obstacles seem to stop them from myths surrounding rape, that rape investigations
scarred. All of these sentiments extend to their getting justice. and victim care should have clear leadership.
families and communities. If helicopters and boats can be mobilised for The Penan communities are isolated and
The Penans live in isolated communities. If they an election so why can’t they be done for this small and they fear retributions and reprisals. It
had easy access to medical facilities, it might have investigation? is crucial that confidentiality and protection for
been possible to arrange a termination. However, When the police asked the logging companies the complainant(s) and their communities be
we cannot assume that they would have accepted to provide transport, because they ostensibly provided.
this procedure because their culture may view the lacked funds, the Penans probably wondered if
life of an unborn child differently. there was any complicity between the two. The Mariam Mokhtar
So, just because their way of life is different army or rangers could have assisted in providing Ipoh