I refer to the Malaysiakini report Islamic group condemns 'sexy' school uniforms .

I am appalled with the statement made by National Islamic Students Association of Malaysia vice-president Munirah Bahari, that girls' school uniforms invite rape. I was further outraged that she said that some girls even lure men.

Firstly, I would like to say that rape is not about the clothes that women wear, nor is it about women's behaviour, but is about power.

Power that one sex has over the other. And we see this happening increasingly to younger women and children as they obviously fall lower in the power structure in society.

Secondly, by blaming incidences of rape on dressing and behaviour, Munirah Bahari is blaming women for rape. I would like to ask Munirah if a rich person is blamed when he or she is robbed?

Or is it the fault of the owner of an expensive car when it is stolen? When we are so quick to blame perpetrators for these crimes, why is it different when it comes to rape?

Munirah also said in her statement that ‘covering up’ was important to prevent social ills. I would like to sadly draw her attention to incidences in the past where women wearing the tudung were brutally raped and murdered.

Munirah states that: ‘It (school uniforms) becomes a distraction to men, who are drawn to it, whether or not they like looking at it’. I think this statement is a huge dis-service to men, who largely are not compelled to rape women.

Surely men are capable of controlling their thoughts and actions. If not, I think we are all in a lot of trouble as they currently hold a lot of power and responsibility in society.

I think our children and young women will benefit more from us empowering them to be brave and bold, and to assert themselves.

Adults, in turn, should treat them with respect and dignity and work to build their self-esteem. Restricting their clothing is not going to do them any favours.