KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 — Japan should offer a “goodwill payment” to Malaysian women who were forced to provide sexual gratification to their soldiers during World War II, MCA said today, after its landmark deal with South Korean comfort women this week.
The ruling Chinese party’s head of public services and complaints Datuk Seri Michael Chong demanded the Japanese government acknowledge and make similar reparations for the sexual atrocities committed by its military on local women here during the war that ended 70 years ago.
“In view of this, we are seeking payment and justice for the victims who have endured emotional pain during the ordeal,” Chong was quoted by theSun daily as telling a news conference at Wisma MCA here.
The “goodwill payment” to Malaysia would be channelled into charities, he reportedly said.
Japan invaded peninsular Malaysia — then known as Malaya — in December 1941, before the attack on Pearl Harbour and soon took over control of government from the colonial British.
The Japanese similarly occupied Borneo for its oil resources from 1941 to 1945, until it officially conceded defeat to the Allies.
On Monday, Tokyo offered a “heartfelt apology” and a ¥1-billion (RM35.63 million) payment to South Koreans who were forced into Japanese military brothels during World War II to act as what they euphemistically called “comfort women”.
Taiwan too has demanded Japan offer an apology and compensation for the island nation’s wartime sex slaves.
