KUALA LUMPUR: The Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal is awaiting final approval from the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said the ministry had already submitted a complete list of the names of the members of the tribunal.
"We have to refer to the AGC because the members are lawyers.
"This is vital because these members are the people who are going to make the decisions at the tribunal. Cases at the tribunal are considered civil cases," she said on Tuesday (Aug 29).
Nancy again reassured that the tribunal will be set up by the end of the year.
Earlier, Nancy, together with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, joined the Malaysian Social Institute (ISM) Social Talk Series 7 held in conjunction with the National Women's Day celebration on Aug 25.
The talk, themed "Women and the Formation of a Civilized Malaysia", saw Nancy talking about "From Women to Women" while Fadhlina spoke on 'Women and Education, Leading Change".
During the talk, both Nancy and Fadhlina shared how as women leaders, they too faced sexism and constant questioning about their role as mothers and wives.
They took most comments and judgements in stride and would continue to persevere and do the work that has been entrusted to them despite facing challenges along the way.
They also said it was important for women to support each other, and stressed how educating and empowering women was vital to ensure a well-balanced society.
The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) was gazetted on Oct 18 last year after receiving the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Oct 8.
The tribunal was a critical part of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840), which was passed by Parliament in August and gazetted in October last year.
The tribunal would deliberate sexual harassment complaints, and provide a mechanism for anyone who had been sexually harassed to seek redress.
There would also be a minimum of five other members, and they too must have judicial or legal experience.
Despite the absence of the tribunal, the ministry announced that several sections of the Act have come into force, including Section 1 – Simple Titles and Commencement; (ii) Section 2 – Interpretation; (iii) Section 24 – Administrator; (iv) Section 25 – Functions and powers of the administrator; and (v) Section 26 – Power to make regulations.
