Still reeling from the horrors of one woman's tragic end, and disgust at the lack of effect it has had on our policymakers, [and the tale of another potential tragedy] I went about my business in the usual way - immersed in my own thoughts.
I spent the afternoon in a quaint part of town, my 3pm appointment was moved to 3.30 and to another location - the Dayabumi building, my company's old headquarters. Adjacent to Central Market, the neighbourhood is a stark contrast to the sanitised surroundings I've gotten very used to.
After a nice discussion of ports, power loading and portals, I visited a colleague who was neck-deep in screaming matches with end-users (well, being the diplomatic person that she is, she took the brunt of the screaming match quite gracefully considering...), and after a long discussion on all things Novell over teh tarik and roti sardin, I started my way back to the comfort of the LRT station.
As I walked past the Dayabumi carpark onto the walkway running alongside the Klang river, I noticed the stench of the polluted waters, and potential hazards around me. What rushed through my mind then was, what if I was the next Canny?
I put my Citrix knapsack squarely on both shoulders, and clutched my handbag close. I took out my handphone, my thumb resting on the dial button, just in case. I continued walking, trying not to look too out of place (red pants didn't help to this end, but at least witnesses can see me from great distances...).
I remembered the first thing about walking alone - walk confidently. I continued my stride and that walk from the car park to the LRT station seemed longer that it actually was.
The world is a hostile place for women and children. Every landscaped bush, every pillar, every dark corner and parked car could be a hiding place for those with bad intentions.
I've become a lot more paranoid than I used to be. But I guess it's better to be crazy than dead.
Found this site for anyone who is interested policy, check out The Women's Safety Strategy initiative.
"One in three women have experienced violence or serious threats of violence in their adult lives. Women experience family violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment and stalking in far greater numbers than men. Women experience more fear of violence in public places. Women experience violence and harassment at work."Posted by Najah Nasseri at 2003年06月27日 22:14 | TrackBack
i have a theory: that rapes have been happenning here and there. Canny Ong was a more brutal than the others, thus, the high profile reporting.
But still, the women crime rate did not go up, just the rate of reporting. So, there is no need to be paranoid. But it is always good to improve our safety measures. But it should not affect the lifestyles and preferences of women.
I agree. Crimes against women have always been there, be it rape, molestation, child abuse, incest. Our community has been very good at brushing these things under the carpet: jaga air muka. It's just sad that it takes an extra horrific case like Canny's for it to make the news. Urgh. We need a behavioral science unit. Fast.
Posted by: Ash.ox at 2003年06月28日 00:28Behavior science unit? The government plonked in some 20 million ringgit to research the mythical national herb, Tongkat Ali, I was told. It is now funding to local universities with millions to research another life-saving herb of utmost national urgency. It seems to me, the government's first priority is to maximize its citizens' sexual drive...
God save Malaysia!
Posted by: TV Smith at 2003年06月28日 00:46It's good that you guys don't trivialise such issues. The more real we see these acts of violence against women, the more things we can do to prevent them.
Posted by: najah at 2003年06月28日 10:04I was quite surprised to read that pepper sprays and macers are banned in this country.
The proposal to teach arts of self defense is commendable but when a man comes at you with a weapon, women need something to protect themselves quickly.
The government should reconsider in removing the ban...
Posted by: Sharizal Shaarani at 2003年06月28日 16:14I agree. I bought my younger sister a canister of pepper spray, since she goes on the bus a lot. I tell her to never hesitate, and also to always be vigilant. *sigh* All the CCTVs in the world won't help if the victim can't even attempt to defend herself.
As usual, we need it to happen to some MB's female relative before someone REALLY takes notice. Tragic, unnecessary, but true.
Posted by: Ash.ox at 2003年06月28日 19:46I agree too,
for info all of ya about PEPPER SPRAY is legal actually in Malaysia, U can read articles on NST (http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/asia/story/0,4386,196803-1056751140,00.html) 27/06/03 others in Harian Metro.
If anybody need a PEPPER SPRAY just do contact me personally at 016-6066661 (Nadzrin)
Nadzrin, thanks for the confirmation on whether peppersprays are actually legal. Will direct my friends to you.
Posted by: Najah at 2003年07月02日 09:46perhaps like Fooji said, the rate hasn't increase, only the publicity. but to me the way it happened has worsened. I really get angry when people say, women should cover up to protect themselves from such attack. I do cover myself - that's my part. But what are we doing to cure the sick men? it's always the same thing - when anything happened, they blamed the girls and said boys were meant to be boys. (that's what happened in my school when boys climbed the girls hostel - girls provoked it.)
Posted by: nectar at 2003年07月04日 09:02FYI everybody another effective item i find useful aside from the pepper spray, is a key chain personal alarm.
recently i came across this product at http://www.safety2all.com
the product can deliver an ear-piercing 120DB alarm. if anybody was able to grab you from behind and prevent you from shouting for help, you'll still be able to use this item to signal for help. So i would recommend this product to anyone who just one another item to give them peace in mind.
Posted by: AmyYW at 2003年10月28日 12:52