KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 ― Government must protect victims of violence and abuse even for those deemed to be sinning under Islam, Parti Amanah Negara MP Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said today after proposing that cohabiting couples be recognised as households.
Under fire from fellow Islamists for her suggestion in Parliament, the Kota Raja MP said domestic violence and cohabitation among unmarried couples are two different issues that must be handled separately.
“It is the responsibility of the government to give protection towards victims of violence and abuse even if they commit sins. These two issues must be separated.
“If we rely on the premise that sinners do not have the right to be defended, that goes against Islam and also human rights,” said the chief of Amanah’s women’s wing AWAN. Read more