MP moots mandatory quota for parties to field women candidates

 

PARLIAMENT | A lawmaker has mooted a mandatory quota for parties to field women candidates in elections.

Nor Azrina Surip (Pakatan Harapan-Merbok) said this would increase women participation in politics.

“Does the government plan to amend election laws where any party that doesn't meet a percentage of women candidates are not allowed to contest?" Azrina (above) asked in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Women, Family, and Community Development Deputy Minister Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff gave a vague non-committal reply.

She said the government supported all initiatives to increase women participation but did not say whether legislation to mandate quotas would be considered.

“I understand that political parties don’t field candidates just to contest, but to win elections, and not just to fulfil quotas.

“Hence I hope efforts to increase the role of women, including in policymaking, must be supported by all,” she said.

Women, Family, and Community Development Deputy Minister Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff

The deputy minister also said that political parties must play a role in training, and giving more opportunities to women.

In a supplementary question, Kasthuri Patto (Harapan-Batu Kawan) said she realised that political parties must do their part.

However, Kasthuri said many women are reluctant to join politics due to the toxic culture, including in the Dewan Rakyat where sexist remarks are made.

Hence, she asked whether the government would amend laws to create a safe space for women to get involved in politics.

Again, Siti Zailah said she welcomed the suggestion, but was non-committal.

She also gave a non-committal answer when Azizah Mohd Dun (PN-Beaufort) asked whether the government would engage with political parties to ensure they would field more women candidates.

“We welcome any suggestions... and we are ready to have dialogue with any quarter,” the deputy minister said.

There are currently 33 women MPs, or 14.8 percent of the Dewan Rakyat’s 222 seats.

Earlier, Siti Zailah said the government’s efforts have led to women filling up 38.2 percent of decision making roles in the public sector.

Among listed companies, she said the figure was currently at 25.8 percent. - Mkini