Politicians who sexually harass female journalists should be investigated by the police, PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin said today. 

"As there are elements of abuse of power and a breach of trust by the men involved, these claims should be investigated by the police. 

"Sexual harassment should be viewed seriously and the men who think they could get away with everything should be punished severely if found guilty, and especially so because they hold public office," Zuraida said in a statement.

She was commenting on an article by the Asian Correspondent yesterday, quoting two Malaysian women journalists as relating their experiences of being sexually harassed by politicians.

While calling for police to probe the matter, Zuraida said current laws do not sufficiently protect sexual harassment victims.

She said sexual harassment is currently only covered by the Employment Act.

Plans to propose bill in Parliament

"The existing Penal Code, under Section 509, is insufficient to cover sexual harassment cases as the act only refers to 'an insult to modesty' as a crime that is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years, or a fine, or both. 

"As a Member of Parliament, I will propose the Sexual Harassment Bill during the next parliamentary sitting and continue to push for it until it is passed as an Act," she said. 

The Ampang MP lauded the women journalists who shared their experiences of being harassed and encouraged others to also speak out. 

She said Wanita PKR is also willing to help women who face such harassment. 

In the Asian Correspondent report, the women related how politicians had touched them inappropriately or sent lewd texts. 

The women said they were forced to put up with the harassment as part of their jobs.