Women under-represented in Najib's cabinet, says Dr M

Women are under-represented in the administration of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, claimed Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.

In his weekly "Policy Talk" session aired live on his official Facebook page, the former premier said this in response to a question from a netizen about the absence of "prominent" female politicians like Rafidah Aziz (photo) in the current cabinet line-up.

"Yes, it is true, now there are female ministers but not in important roles. They are put in charge of small issues (portfolios), and not the economy, trade, etcetera.

"There is a deficit in the trust on women's capabilities, when the fact is, women form the majority of university graduates every year. Thus, it is impossible that they cannot take on more complex roles. If (Pakatan) Harapan comes to power, we will prioritise women's roles," said the Harapan chairperson.

Another commenter asked whether Harapan can promise the same as, or better BN's offer of 30 percent senator positions if given the mandate.

Mahathir said the 30 percent offer would most probably remain as "one of many" unfulfilled promises by BN.

"In Langkawi, Najib promised an allocation of RM5 billion over a period of five years, but to date, not a single sen is given.

"Women are more capable now and we (Harapan) should not only consider (matching BN's quota), but allocate more than 30 percent. When Harapan comes to power, there will be more women in decision making roles.

"This is Harapan and we care about women's plight, especially of those who are qualified but unemployed,' he said.

Do online business

Earlier, Mahathir encouraged women, especially homemakers, to better their means of income by doing online business.

Women, he said are more aware of the burden posed by the rising cost of living, and therefore, would be able to contribute to the household income.

"I know a woman who can bake very well. She sold her cakes in a shop but business was not very good. Then she started selling her cakes online and now her business even has overseas customers.

"Online business does not require a shop, facilities, just skills. Even when one is good in, say, making nasi lemak and selling it by the roadside, he or she should not rest on laurels when the demand is good. Production capacity must increase and the business owner should look at expanding business via selling online or opening a franchise, for instance."

Mahathir then claimed that the government only painted a rosy picture of the local economy, citing increase GDP and exports, for example, but these, he said, does not affect the rakyat in any way.

"If the country is run well; if exports are really up, job opportunities should be more, and there should not be unemployment or underemployment.

"Last time, the effects of the economic growth were felt by the people, it is no longer the case. Something is wrong," he said.- Mkini