The proposal to impose the death penalty on child rapists...

The proposal to impose the death penalty on child rapists in Malaysia will now be tabled early in January 2003 to accommodate the views of the various parties concerned.
The Cabinet paper was initially scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet on November 27, then postponed to December 18.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the additional time was needed to include the salient points from non-governmental organisations as well as the Women and Family Development Ministry.
"We have decided not to rush. We welcome all views and will incorporate them into the Cabinet paper," he told the New Straits Times.
He also expects to receive a memorandum from Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil who said that imposing the death penalty would not be the best solution to the problem. Prevention, she said, was important.
Rais reminded the public to focus on the victim.
"The victim's misfortune must be given due consideration," he said.
He added that when a child below the age of 12 is raped and death ensues as a result, it was only proper a death sentence be applied.
Some 30 NGOs strongly objected to the proposal, fearing the death penalty may deter the reporting of child rape, as most of these crimes are perpetuated by a person in a position of trust and power over the victim, making the victim reluctant to come forward.