PETALING JAYA: A group of NGOs and civil society are calling on newly minted Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to name more women to his Cabinet.
“We hope the number of women ministers appointed to his Cabinet will be over 30%,” they said in a statement.
They also expressed hope that Ismail would appoint a women, family and community development minister who is sensitive to gender issues, decisive and is capable of managing issues related to the ministry.
They said this was especially important as there had been an increase in sexual abuse and harassment cases and because many children had lost their parents during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Women and children, they added, have also been badly affected by the movement restrictions.
“We need a leader who can ensure the best and most effective policies are implemented.”
The statement was issued by 14 NGOs, including the Sabah Women’s Action-Resource Group (SAWO) and the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim), as well as 55 individuals including activists.
They went on to call on the government to also prioritise women when it came to filling vacancies at the Dewan Negara.
To date, there are only six women senators in the 70-member upper House.
“We need to prioritise the participation of women to reduce the gender gap.”
Ismail is expected to unveil his Cabinet line-up this week. - FMT
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