Speaking to reporters during an event celebrating Merdeka at the KL Tower today, Shahrizat said these incidents show that women’s safety remains threatened.
She also called for all Malaysians to work together to make the country a safer place for everyone.
“There are many cases where we’ve heard of women being raped and killed, among other things. This is very concerning,” the former Wanita Umno chief said.
“If we read the newspapers, there are various cases involving women who have been murdered, raped, and other alarming incidents.
“This is very troubling because among the definitions of independence is safety. Being independent means being free to make your own decisions, and (being able to) do so safely.”
There have been several recent cases where women have gone missing, been found dead, or raped.
On Aug 19, a foreign currency trader was charged with the murder of 33-year-old teacher Istiqomah Ahmad Rozi, whose body was discovered in a rubbish bin in Alor Gajah, Melaka, last December.
On Aug 21, a 63-year-old lorry driver pleaded guilty to raping his biological son’s 13-year-old stepdaughter. He was charged with raping the teen in their home in Batu Pahat, Johor, on July 19.
On Aug 16, a 39-year-old trader was charged with attempted murder and criminal intimidation of his wife.
According to the charge sheet, Azzuan Ahmad attempted to murder Nor Diyanah Ahmad, 32, by pushing her into a ravine along the East-West Highway in Gerik, Perak, on July 27.
Most notably, in the case of 25-year-old Nur Farah Kartini Abdullah, she was reported missing on July 10 before her body was found in an oil palm plantation in Kampung Sri Kledang, Hulu Selangor five days later.
A lance corporal stationed at the Slim River police station in Perak was charged with her murder, at the Kuala Kubu Bharu magistrates’ court on July 26.
Separately, Shahrizat also said women are not seeking to compete with men, but rather, just want to have equal opportunities.
“As we celebrate our independence, it’s crucial to recognise that many women have already achieved remarkable feats,” she said.
“However, we seek equal opportunities to contribute to the country’s development. That is what matters the most.”