I read with great dismay the recent pronouncements by Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad pertaining to the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl by custodial authorities in Sabah.

Both politicians alluded to the fact that the Philippine authorities ought not have raised strong reservations on the matter simply because the rape survivor has been confirmed to be Malaysian.

It is universally accepted that in cases of such blatant and brutal abuses of minors, more so if it is sexual in nature and inflicted by persons responsible for their safety and well-being while in custody, the nationality or ethnicity of the victim ought not be an issue!

It is purely and simply a case of alleged sexual abuse by persons in authority upon their custodians, period.

If we are going to delve on the fact that since she is not a Filipina therefore such protestations should not have been initiated by the Philippine government, then we, Malaysians, on the other hand, should also query, unhesitatingly and vociferously, as to why, when, was she deported along with the other illegal immigrants in the first place?

Please don't use a red herring to detract from the heinous act our authorities have committed on a minor.

If one argues that the Philippines ought to apologise, then, should one also not demand that the incompetent authorities whose members' actions led to this diabolical fiasco also be severely punished for shaming our country?

Or is it too much to ask of our leaders?