'Why not castrate M'sia's repeat rapists?'
Women and family minister invites discussion on issue
July 12, 2008
IF a repeat rapist blames his uncontrollable sexual desire for his crimes, then castration using hormonal treatments should be considered.
This is the view of Malaysia's Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen.
She made this remark at a book launch on Wednesday, reported the Sun.
'Uncontrollable sexual desire is no excuse for committing rape,' said Dr Yen.
She added: 'From the medical perspective, if it is really, really proven (that a person is a) repetitive rapist due to surging testosterone, then I am an advocate for castration.
'I am not speaking as a minister but as a medical doctor.'
Dr Ng said that there were various type of castration and that she was 'talking about reducing testosterone production'.
However, she also said she had not seen any repetitive cases.
'I am just saying that we all should be more open to discuss this issue. Allow for more research,' she added.
Dr Ng said according to police statistics, there were 1,887 rape cases in 2005, 2,435 cases in 2006 and 3,177 cases last year.
The minister was speaking to reporters at the launch of a handbook titled Rapist and Rape: Who and Why.
The book is based on research involving 90 convicted rapists in prisons in Seremban, Johor Baru, Kajang and Sungai Buloh.
The original academic report was simplified and made more accessible for public consumption.
Focusing on the rapists rather than their victims, the research was conducted over 10 months in 2003 and aimed at obtaining a socio-economic profile of the rapists as well as their family backgrounds.
It also suggested programmes to reduce the problem.
POORLY EDUCATED
Based on the interviews, the majority (81 per cent) were Malays and the highest group of offenders are aged 50 and above, followed by those aged between 21 and 30.
Incest and being attacked while on a date or with a new acquaintance were common cases. The victims were mostly aged 16 and below.
The study also found the majority of rapists to be from the rural areas, poorly educated and married.
The respondents' perception of women were mostly negative and degrading.
Said the report: 'Most respondents view rape as a mutually gratifying sexual act or 'suka sama suka'.'
Source:
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/st...70497,00.html? 
Why not castrate M'sia's repeat rapists? 
