KOTA KINABALU: The proposed sexual harassment Bill must be tabled in Parliament as soon as possible because there is a lack of awareness on the issue, say Sabah lawyers.

       Sabah Law Society (SLS) president Roger Chin said in a statement on Friday (Nov 19) that this Bill should be tabled without any delay so that victims can be better protected.

       He said such legislation is crucial while platforms must be provided for complainants to be protected from reprisal.

       "We want victims to be able to stand up against perpetrators without the fear of being further harassed or intimidated," he said.

       "All complaints of harassment or sexual harassment to the authorities should be dealt with swiftly and victims should be treated with respect at all times," Chin added.

       This issue is of great public importance, with an urgent need for greater awareness of what constitutes sexual harassment and its impact on society as well, he said.

       He recommended the provision of suitable and robust support systems for those who have experienced emotional and psychological distress as a result of sexual harassment.

       SLS recently launched its Policy for Handling Harassment and Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession.

       Chin said SLS is in the midst of ensuring that legal workplaces are free of any form of harassment.

       "SLS denounces harassment or sexual harassment in the legal workplace.

       "No individual, regardless of gender, should have to suffer the indignity of their modesty being insulted or outraged.

       "Such behaviour is unacceptable and as a society, and particularly as the upholders of justice, we must ensure that proper values are instilled and supported, and that people feel safe wherever they are," Chin said.

       The SLS has been working with the Association of Women Lawyers to develop standard operating procedures that law firms in Sabah can put in place to ensure conducive and safe legal workplaces for all, he added.

       "SLS has also developed its own policies on handling instances of harassment and sexual harassment in the legal profession here," he said, adding that such complaints against lawyers in Sabah will be treated as misconduct under Section 12B of the Advocates Ordinance.

       The statement was jointly issued with SLS Women and Children's Rights sub-committee chairperson Mary Gomez.