KUCHING: Parents of victims in sexual abuse cases who are dissatisfied with court decisions have been advised to pursue appeals through the proper legal channels.
The advice comes in the wake of a case where a caretaker at a children’s welfare home pleaded guilty at two Ampang Sessions Courts last Thursday to 15 charges involving physical and non-physical sexual abuse, as well as unnatural sexual acts against five boys.
The 25-year-old caretaker, who was denied bail, will be sentenced on May 21.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said while the ministry understands the concerns and emotions of affected families, the legal process must be respected as court rulings fall outside its jurisdiction.
“If parents are unhappy with the decision, they may file an appeal through the appropriate channels,” she said when met at the Outreach WCaRe: Pemerkasaan Komuniti Etnik programme at Kampung Pasir Panjang here Saturday (Apr 11).
She added that the ministry could raise concerns with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, but emphasised that the final outcome rests within the legal system.
Nancy described sexual abuse involving children as a serious issue that requires continued attention from all parties, stressing that the protection and welfare of children remain a priority.
“If there is a need for intervention, it will be discussed at the government level, including with relevant agencies,” she said.
However, she cautioned against making premature statements on cases that have already been decided by the courts.
She added that any views on sentencing must be based on a thorough understanding of the full court judgment.
