Amendments To The Penal Code – Why We Should Be Concerned

More than 60 participants, including students and activists, attended Workers’ Party public forum on the government’s proposed Penal Code Amendments.

Eric Tan, Party Treasurer and Chairman, 50th Anniversary Committee, chaired the forum held at WP’s headquarters at Syed Alwi Road on 3 February 2007. This is the first in a series of events celebrating WP’s 50th Anniversary this year.

Ms Sylvia Lim, Chairman, Workers’ Party kicked-off the discussions by voicing a number of concerns. This included the changes in the maximum jail terms and how the law generally appears to apply to young people inconsistently.

This was followed by Mr Thomas Koshy’s observations. Mr Koshy, a lawyer with experience in criminal litigation, raised concerns over the apparent gender bias in the proposed changes.

Mr Firuz Khan, Member, Workers’ Party Youth Wing Executive Committee shared his observations of the law-making process in UK, where stakeholders actively participate in shaping the law, especially if the laws touch on matters of the family or crimes. The media in UK also offer different points of views, which serve to inform and educate the public.

Mr Anthony Yeo, Consultant Therapist of Counselling and Care Centre, shared his experiences of counselling women in troubled marriages who have been abused by their husbands and felt trapped. Mr Yeo further brought home the seriousness of marital rape.

The 2-hour forum ended with a question-and-answer session with numerous questions from participants. Participants and party members further mingled to exchange views and ideas.

Footnotes:

Link to Sylvia Lim’s presentation at the public forum.

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Slide show of photos taken at the forum: