Penilaian Semula Konsep Rogol Statutori di Malaysia: Analisis Perbandingan Syariah–Sivil terhadap Kerelaan, Paksaan dan Tanggungjawab Jenayah Remaja

Reassessing Statutory Rape in Malaysia: A Shariah–Civil Comparative Analysis of Consent, Coercion, and Juvenile Criminal Responsibility

Abstract

This study examines the role of consent (al-riḍā’) and coercion (al-ikrāh) as the fundamental criteria for distinguishing between rape and zina under Shariah, and evaluates the extent to which these principles are applied within Malaysian criminal law, particularly in cases involving underage adolescents. Employing a qualitative approach through doctrinal and socio-legal analysis, this study synthesises classical and contemporary fiqh sources, relevant provisions of the Penal Code and selected judicial decisions. The findings indicate that Shariah outlines a more balanced framework of criminal liability by clearly differentiating consensual sexual acts from coercive ones, while assessing responsibility based on baligh status, mental capacity, intention, and contextual factors. In contrast, Malaysian law adopts the fixed age of 16 as the absolute determinant of valid consent, leading to disproportionate criminal liability, especially in consensual relationships between two underage adolescents, where underage boys are frequently convicted as statutory rapists, whereas underage girls are automatically treated as victims without consideration of their active role or willingness. The study proposes ta‘zīr-based sentencing guidelines that emphasise education, rehabilitation, and prevention for adolescents engaged in consensual acts, as well as stricter punishment for genuine perpetrators of rape, in line with the Maqāṣid of Hifẓ al-Nafs (protection of life/safety) and Hifẓ al-‘Ird (protection of dignity). Additionally, the study recommends reforming Malaysian law through mechanisms for assessing maturity, differentiating categories of underage sexual offences, and incorporating restorative justice models. In conclusion, aligning Malaysian criminal law with Shariah principles can produce a more just, balanced, and socially responsive legal framework, while strengthening protection for actual victims of sexual violence and ensuring that criminal liability is imposed fairly and proportionately.

Abstrak

Kajian ini meneliti peranan elemen kerelaan (al-riḍā’) dan paksaan (al-ikrāh) sebagai kriteria asas dalam membezakan antara rogol dan zina menurut perspektif Syariah, serta menilai tahap pengaplikasian prinsip tersebut dalam undang-undang jenayah Malaysia, khususnya dalam kes yang melibatkan remaja bawah umur. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui analisis doktrinal dan sosio-perundangan, kajian ini menghimpunkan sorotan fiqh klasik dan kontemporari, peruntukan Kanun Keseksaan serta keputusan kes terpilih. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa Syariah menggariskan mekanisme liabiliti jenayah yang lebih seimbang, antaranya dengan membezakan secara jelas antara hubungan sukarela dan perbuatan berbentuk paksaan, serta menilai tanggungjawab berdasarkan tahap baligh, kapasiti akal, niat dan keadaan sekeliling. Sebaliknya, undang-undang Malaysia menetapkan had umur 16 tahun sebagai penentu mutlak kesahihan persetujuan, sekali gus mewujudkan ketidakseimbangan liabiliti jenayah, khususnya dalam kes hubungan sukarela antara dua remaja bawah umur. Keadaan ini menyebabkan remaja lelaki sering ditakrifkan sebagai pesalah rogol statutori, manakala remaja perempuan secara automatik diletakkan dalam kategori mangsa, tanpa mempertimbangkan peranan aktif atau kerelaan mereka dalam hubungan tersebut.Kajian ini mencadangkan agar hukuman bagi remaja yang terlibat secara sukarela diurus melalui konsep ta‘zīr yang menekankan pendidikan, pemulihan dan pencegahan, manakala hukuman lebih tegas wajar dikenakan terhadap pelaku rogol sebenar selaras dengan Maqasid Ḥifẓ al-Nafs dan Hifz al-'Ird. Selain itu, kajian turut mencadangkan reformasi undang-undang Malaysia melalui mekanisme penilaian tahap kematangan, pengkategorian semula kes seksual bawah umur, serta pengukuhan pendekatan berasaskan keadilan pemulihan. Kesimpulannya, penjajaran undang-undang jenayah Malaysia dengan prinsip Syariah berpotensi mewujudkan sistem perundangan yang lebih adil, seimbang dan responsif terhadap realiti sosial remaja, di samping mempertingkat perlindungan terhadap mangsa rogol sebenar serta memastikan liabiliti jenayah dikenakan dengan lebih saksama.