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Harsher punishment alone for aggravated rape offences not enough   Statement by John Chung (Petaling Jaya, Monday): Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim had announced the government’s proposal to increase the maximum jail term for aggravated rape offences from 20 to 30 years including caning for those aged 50 and above found guilty of committing such offences.  While the call to impose harsher punishments is understandable in light of the alarming rise of rape and aggravated rape cases including incestual rape, gang rape and rape-cum-murder, as exemplified by the abduction-rape-murder of Canny Ong and the series of gang-rape cases that occurred in the past two weeks, it is doubtful as to whether the proposed increased penalties would serve as an effective deterrent to would-be offenders.  We should take note of the fact that despite the increased penalties provided in the Penal Code following the 2001 amendments, which incorporated mandatory whipping for rape and incest and a maximum 20-year jail term for incest, such offences continue to be on the rise instead of declining.  Hence, harsher punishment alone for aggravated rape offences is not enough and is too simplistic a solution. What is needed is a holistic approach to tackle the problem. In particular, we need to address the root causes of such crimes since their incidence is symptomatic of a deeper problem that is increasingly plaguing our society, namely moral decadence, weakening of the family institution as well as a lack of basic respect for women.  Besides external means of deterrence such as stricter penalties, increased surveillance in the form of CCTV cameras, security personnel and police patrols, emphasis must also be given to the importance of education, both religious and moral. There should be a nationwide campaign to promote respect for women, utilizing all channels of communication such as the printed and electronic media, awareness leaflets, posters and advertisement billboards to drive home the message.  At the same time, the government, particularly the National Unity and Social Development Ministry and the Women and Family Development Ministry should spearhead efforts to strengthen the family institution and inculcate a fundamental respect for the sanctity of life.  In this connection, it is important and timely that a government-initiated national consultation on crime prevention and public safety, comprising all political parties, the police, presidents of local councils, non-governmental and religious organizations and concerned members of civil society, be held to invite inputs and feedbacks so as to achieve a national consensus on how best to arrest and reduce the increasing incidences of crime and rape related offences. (30/6/2003) * John Chung, DAP National Publicity Bureau Assistant Secretary