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What’s more shocking is the fact that their own mother knew all along.
They were sexually abused and raped so frequently by their father that the girls would openly
ask each other, "Kau kena tak semalam?" (Did he rape you yesterday?)
It took five years for one brave high school teacher to finally do the right
thing
When school reopened, the girl gathered her courage and told her teacher about the ongoing
abuse. The teacher picked up the phone, rang Syed Azmi and explained everything to him.
One hour later, Syed reached the school to see the teacher and the girl.
The girl was more worried about the well-being of her family, saying, “I
only want to know what will happen to my mother and sisters.”
Upon his arrival, Syed introduced himself to the girl and assured her that he and the teachers
were there to help her.
According to him, the standard procedure for such cases is to call 15999, make a police report
and do a medical check.
However, none of the above worried her. Her main concern was what would happen to
her mother and sisters. She said she still loves her father and all she wants is for the abuse to
stop.
Talian Kasih 15999 is a 24-hour helpline for abuse victims or people who need someone to
talk to.
She eventually caved. "My sister is a victim too. If she agrees to report, I shall report too."
When contacted over the phone, her sister voiced similar concerns about
the future of their family, as he is the sole breadwinner of the family
"What would the neighbours say? What would our family say? What if our dad loses his job?
Who is going to pay for my education when I further my studies?" she questioned.
She added, "Takpelah, biarkan aje. Mak kata bagi peluang." (It's okay, just let it be. Our
mum told us to give our father a chance.)
After speaking to Syed, she asked for more time to decide if she was ready to make a police
report against her father. She said she would give an answer that night.
Though the girl felt better after the phone call to her sister, Syed reminded
her that her relief will only be temporary as she still has to return home for
semester break
As they waited for the sister’s confirmation, Syed called the Department of Social Welfare
(JKMWPKL) and prepared the teacher.
The sister called and gave them the green light to report her father. However, she told them to
do it “during the weekends” when their father is not working.
Syed said, "As someone who respects the need and consent of a child, I
wish I could do better."
He believes that their family dynamics caused the kids to think twice about reporting their
father - the girls have no grandparents or relatives to rely on, their mother is a housewife with
no income. As a result, they suffered for years with no one else to turn to.
Syed Azmi posted an update to the story on his Facebook page yesterday
After discussions with the Department of Social Welfare, medical team, police and
government agencies, Syed has confirmed that the father will be questioned.
However, it will not happen until the weekend as he respected the children’s wish to do it
over the weekends. It would come with a cost as he was worried that the father might start to
cover his tracks by erasing evidence.
Never be afraid to do the right thing. Lodge a report especially if a child turns to you for help.