The former law minister said the clause would effectively allow an individual to act as a “moral police” where sexual harassment is concerned.

“I have never heard of other countries having this position of the administrator (against sexual harassment). Why should the ministry’s secretary-general become the moral police for sexual harassment? It’s illogical,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat.

Under the Sexual Harassment Bill 2021, the administrator’s key duties include formulating policies, drawing up guidelines and promoting awareness and prevention of sexual harassment.

Azalina said the duties of the administrator should not be in the hands of an individual but a committee comprising relevant stakeholders.

She said this was the case for the coordinating council for the protection of children under the Child Act 2001.

That council includes representatives from the relevant ministries, the Attorney-General’s Chambers, police, the prisons department, the social welfare department, child experts and representatives from Sabah and Sarawak.

Azalina said that while she supported the bill as a whole, the clause on the appointment of a single administrator should be amended.