Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat...

Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said the death penalty may not be the best solution to curbing rape and incest, however, heavier punishment was called for given the increase in sex crimes perpetrated against children.
"The ministry views this matter seriously and calls for punishments commensurate to the crime," the minister said in a statement.
The Malaysian Bar Council also opposed the Government's proposal to impose the death penalty for child rape, and urged it to conduct reforms in rape law instead.
"As the prosecution of rapists depends on the existence of a complainant, the death penalty may discourage victims from reporting the matter especially when the perpetrator is a member of the family. In addition, rapists themselves may be encouraged to murder their victims to avoid being caught," Chairman Mah Weng Kwai said.
Reforms should include increasing the term of prison sentences for child rapist as well as imposing whipping to offenders over 50 years old, he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said views and arguments on the matter would be referred to the Cabinet.