THE Dewan Rakyat today passed the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill 2021 after more than six hours of debate.

The new law is to provide for a right of redress for any person who has been sexually harassed, the establishment of the tribunal for sexual harassment, the promotion of awareness of sexual harassment and to provide for related matters.

According to the bill, the tribunal may also order the respondents to pay compensation or damages not exceeding RM250,000 for any loss or damage suffered by the complainants.

Further, any award ordered by the tribunal is deemed a court order and non-compliance with any award made by it could result in a criminal penalty.

The tribunal hearings, however, will be closed to the public.

Earlier today, the debate was disrupted after the opposition got involved in a sparring match with a government MP over sexual harassment or sexual innuendos made in parliament.

It started after three-term Pasir Salak lawmaker Tajuddin Abdul Rahman took issue with Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching, who referred to him during her debate yesterday.

While defending his past record, Tajuddin said he only made certain remarks because some DAP women lawmakers were vulgar. – July 20, 2022.