In an editorial in the News Sunday Times Tan Siok Choo...

In an editorial in the News Sunday Times Tan Siok Choo argued against the proposed implementation of the death penalty for child rapists: "I strongly oppose the proposed death penalty for all rapists - regardless of whether the victim is a child or an adult. Recently, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, announced a proposal would be tabled to the Cabinet recommending those convicted of raping a child below the age of 12 who subsequently dies from the ordeal or is murdered should face the death penalty.... Despite its noble intention, I believe the proposed death penalty for those who rape children below the age of 12 is ill conceived... There are two reasons for my belief. First, the proposed death penalty may be superfluous. If the child dies as a result of the rape or is murdered, why not charge the perpetrator with either murder or manslaughter?.. Currently, if the victim dies - whether as a result of her ordeal or is murdered - the police appear to have the legal capacity to charge the suspect with murder. Why then the need for the death penalty for those who rape children below the age of 12 years? Clearly, the proposal is intended to ensure a child rapist faces the death penalty. Second, if intended as a deterrent, imposing the death penalty for a child rapist may prove inadequate. There is little evidence to show the incidence of rape is lower in countries that impose a death penalty for rape. Instead of tougher sentences, I believe a better way to reduce the incidence of rape is to step up prosecutions and convictions for rape."