KUALA LUMPUR: The Wanita MCA wants the Government to strengthen existing laws protecting the rights and safety of victims of child abuse and domestic violence.

It called for heavier punishments for the offenders, more support for women and children, and prevention measures to be initiated through public awareness campaigns and gender sensitisation school programmes.

These are among 19 resolutions to be adopted at the Wanita MCA's 37th annual general assembly on Saturday.

The wing called on the Government to implement automatic income deduction for spousal support or child maintenance from the ex-husbands.

In calling for the setting up of a support agency for single parents, the wing want more laws to bring ex-husbands to book for failing to pay alimony.

Another resolution of the wing is to support the amendment to Section 376 of the Penal Code and Section 294 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code pertaining to statutory rape.

On education plans, Wanita MCA wants the Education Ministry to respect the feedback from the Chinese community and preserve the vernacular education system.

The wing condemned Pakatan Rakyat leaders for practicing selective press freedom noting that DAP had failed to stand up against PAS' hudud agenda.

Wanita MCA also condemned United Chinese School Committees Association (Dong Zong) leaders for disregarding the party's efforts and contributions towards Chinese education.

Other resolutions include calling on the Chinese to accept vocational training to help create more skilled workers and for more effective strategies to address environmental issues and public awareness.

- The Star