Women’s involvement in politics still low - Mas Ermieyati

 

Women’s involvement in the country’s political arena is still low, including being the people's elected representatives in Parliament, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.

The MP for Masjid Tanah said that until now, the target of having 30 percent female elected representatives in the Dewan Rakyat had not been achieved.

“Towards meeting this target, women should be given more space in politics including fielding them as candidates in the general election.

“If we want to field female candidates, place them in seats that are winnable for them so as not to waste talents. Women MPs have the edge as they are more caring and loving while the people’s issues are close to their hearts.

“Certainly, we’ve always stridently called for at least 30 percent women’s participation in the Dewan Rakyat but we are still far from the target.”

Mas Ermieyati (above) said this as a panellist at the ‘Bual Bicara Bersama YB’ programme held in conjunction with the inaugural Malaysian Parliamentary-Level Women’s Day 2022 celebration, themed ‘Saksama Bersama’ and held at the Banquet Room, Parliament Building, in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.

Stereotyping and character assassination

Officiated by Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun, the forum was also participated by Bernama chairperson Ras Adiba Radzi as the moderator, and two panellists, the Batu Kawan MP P Kasthuriraani and National Council of Women’s Organisations Malaysia secretary-general Sabariah Baharun.

Kasthuriraani said stereotyping and character assassination against women should stop while there must be efforts to create awareness of women’s issues so as to be brought to the fore for redress.

She said many women elected representatives, not just in Malaysia but throughout the world were facing the big challenge of being victims of character assassination.

“The government should view this issue seriously as many women elected representatives and activists have become victims of character assassination as well as given rape and death threats and more,” she added.

Sabariah also said all parties must play a role in inculcating values including appreciating and recognising women’s immense contribution to the nation and its people and this could start from the home.

Change public perception

Ras Adiba, who is also the OKU Sentral chairperson, said women should be supporting each other to change public perception about women and to give more women the opportunity to be parliamentarians.

“What is important now is to have more programmes, particularly to help women improve their skills in facing difficult situations such as the Covid-19 pandemic,” she added.

The forum, organised by the Parliament in recognition of women’s contributions and services to the nation and in upholding the government’s policies, will be made an annual event to discuss topics related to women.

Currently, there are 33 women MPs in Malaysia or 14.86 percent out of the total of 222 MPs.

- Bernama