According to a report published by Change, a London-based organization that produces international reports on women and society, two militant groups are involved in women's rights advocacy: the All Women Action Society (AWAS) and the Sabah Women Action-Resource Group (SAWO) (Ng and Yong 1990, 7). According to a representative of Match International, an Ottawa-based NGO that sponsors women's support projects throughout the world (see attached brochure), AWAS is coalition of five women organizations that advocates easier access for women to the judicial system (2 Sept. 1993).

No information is currently available to the DIRB regarding the legal recourse available to victims of rape. However, according to Ng and Yong, criminal proceedings for domestic violence offences can only be carried out under the Penal Code provisions for criminal force, assault and injury, and can only be initiated by the police after a report has been lodged (1990, 7). In November 1989 the government of Malaysia, responding to public pressure, amended its rape legislation to include mandatory jailing and caning for those convicted (Ibid., 9).

For further information on the situation of women in Malaysia, please consult the attached documents.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Ng, Cecilia and Carol Yong. 1990. Report No. 17. Malaysian Women at the Crossroads. London: Change International.

Match International, Ottawa. 2 September 1993. Telephone interview with representative.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 22 October 1991. Ong Saw Lay . "Marital Violence Increasing in Malaysia." (NEXIS)

AsiaWeek [Hong Kong]. 30 October 1992. "Enough is Enough: More Women Are Speaking Up About Violence in the Home."

Ng, Cecilia and Carol Yong. 1990. Report No. 17. Malaysian Women at the Crossroads. London: Change International Reports.

The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 4 March 1993. "Reports of Rape Rise in Malaysia." (NEXIS)