Bear with us, says PM to critics of women ministers

Women’s rights groups had expressed a lack of confidence in Rina Harun and Siti Zailah Yusoff.

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said today any Cabinet member holding a new portfolio would require time to study the ministry and manage it well.

Commenting on criticisms from women’s groups about the new appointments to the Women and Family Ministry, Muhyiddin said he had briefed the new minister, Rina Mohd Harun, about what to do in managing the ministry, because she was new at the ministry.

“But it’s not that she is totally lacking in experience. The new portfolio requires everyone to take more time,” he said, adding that he had also told Rina to work closely with her deputy Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff.

Media reports have quoted wwomen’s rights groups as expressing their concerns over the appointment of Rina and Siti Zailah, saying their track records of the two women did not inspire confidence.

Muhyiddin said: “What is important is not what her personal view is. What is important is what the government thinks about it and that she or whoever is in the ministry needs to understand.”

“Bear with us; we will manage it,” he added.

Muhyiddin made his remarks at a news conference after chairing the first meeting of the Economic Action Council here. - FMT