Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is seeking a stronger mandate in the coming general election in order to ensure greater women empowerment in Malaysia.
In his officiating speech at the International Conference on Women in Politics in 2017, the prime minister said he hopes to see more participation of women in politics.
He said this is because their presence would better reflect the electorate and make the political process more inclusive.
“If we get the necessary majority in this coming election we can impose a quota for the Upper House that they must comprise of no less than 30 percent of women senators, to begin with.
“I would like to see this proposal go through, that is why I hope we get a strong mandate in this election.
“We can start with women appointed as senators and can ensure leadership skills in the Upper House,” he added.
Najib, who is also Umno president, said the party has always relied on its women's wing to maintain the relationship with the grassroots, especially in rural areas.
"This is why Wanita Umno is known as the backbone of our party," he added.
The prime minister also reiterated his call for women to make up 30 percent of the board in all public listed companies.
"On this, we are currently behind the target. So I have warned that from next year, the government will name and shame public-listed companies which do not have women as board members.
"I have warned them, they may not be given government contracts," he added.
In his Budget 2018 speech, Najib had announced the requirement of at least 30 percent of the board of directors of government-linked companies, government-linked investment companies and statutory bodies to be made up of women by the end of next year.
[More to follow]
- Mkini
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