| Reference is made to the statement by the Bruno Manser Fund (BMF) that was published in the media on 17 November 2008 with regards to the alleged sexual abuse of Penan women and girls by loggers. The subject of rape, sexual abuse and exploitation of Penan women been raised by NGOs, politicians, women organisations and the media recently. Certain quarters, including the BMF have questioned the integrity, competence and effectiveness off the police in dealing with matters affecting indigenous people. The police want to state categorically that there is no iota of truth in the claims made by various parties, including the BMF that the police have been turning a blind eye to this matter. Since 1995, the police have investigated 11 reports of alleged rape in the Baram area. Only one report involved a Penan girl. This case was investigated thoroughly by the police and submitted to the Senior Federal Counsel. The case was not brought to court due to insufficient evidence. The other 10 reports did not involve Penan women. Five of these cases were brought to court and the suspect convicted. One case is still pending in court, three case still under investigation while on case was dropped by the Senior Federal Counsel due to lack of evidence. The Royal Malaysia Police have made reports of rape or sexual abuse a high priority, and continues to do so today. A Sexual Crimes Division comprising of women police officers is dedicated to deal with such cases and a unit also exist in every state, including Sarawak. As such, the claims that the police ignoring reports of sexual abuse was unfathomable and totally unfair. With regards to the recent claims of sexual abuse of Penan women, three reports were lodged by the police and a task force formed comprising of police officers from Bukit Aman and Sarawak. A thorough investigation was conducted where the task force visited nine settlements to interview witnesses to get to the bottom of the matter. So far, the police have not been able to obtain sufficient evidence to substantiate the claims of sexual abuse. Based on the findings of the police so far, we believe that this issue has been generally distorted and blown out of proportion by NGOs, politicians and other parties. The police also question the action and motive of an NGO who kept two alleged victims for 9 days in Kuala Lumpur without the knowledge of the police and their families before they were finally produced to have their statement recorded. The police deeply regrets the accusations by NGOs and politicians that we believe were only made for vested interests and to gain political mileage. In so far as the investigation into the reports is concerned, the police have conducted the investigation professionally, as it would not be in the public interest for the police to act otherwise. The police are conscious of the facts that cases of sexual abuse have to be handled fairly and impartially, and that the public have confidence in the way in which it is handled. The police urge any party with additional information, including the Bruno Manser Fund, to come forward to assist in police enquiries. So far, the police have faced lack of cooperation from NGOs claiming to have knowledge of alleged sexual cases involving Penan women. Several attempts have been made to locate Martin Bujang and Colin Nicholas, believed to be representatives of the BMF, but to no avail.
The police are also advising NGOs, women organisations and politicians to play a proactive role in creating awareness among the indigenous people of their rights. The police also welcome the proposal for the formation of a task force to ascertain the realities of the issue. All talk by various parties should be translated into action and commitment. The police are hereby advising the parties concerned to refrain from making disparaging remarks against the police and undermining our capabilities in conducting investigations. The police have no vested in covering up reports of sexual abuse of indigenous people. The police conduct investigation within the perimeters of the law and perpetrators are only brought to court when there is sufficient evidence. DIRECTOR OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT
ROYAL MALAYSIA POLICE | 
