PAS Women delegate lauds new laws protecting women

 

PAS MUKTAMAR | A delegate from the PAS Women’s Wing has voiced support for the recent passing of two laws empowering women - the Housewives’ Social Security Act 2022 and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022.

Siti Mastura Muhammad (above), who heads the Ameerah unit for young women in PAS under 40, said both the laws effectively introduce more protection for women.

“We see the government’s move to approve Employees Providence Fund (EPF) contributions for housewives and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act as very timely and helpful.

“We are very thankful for the passing of these laws,” said Mastura in her debate of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s address at the party’s 68th Muktamar in Kota Sarang Semut, Kedah, this afternoon.

On the EPF contributions, Mastura noted that the contributions are set at only RM5 a month or RM60 a year.

“So I appeal to all husbands, fathers, please remember to contribute for their wives who have made great sacrifices for the family,” she said.

On the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, Mastura, who is also the Penang PAS Women deputy chief, said the cases involved an individual’s dignity and reputation, matters highly regarded in Islam.

Further, the cases also impact the lives of both the victim and the accused, as well as their families.

“Therefore, in terms of enforcement, we propose for the anti-sexual harassment tribunal to be supported by individuals with a legal Islamic background,” she said.

‘Various youth issues’

Mastura also said the PAS Women Wing had raised issues that affect youths, including proposing that the government erase Bank Negara’s Central Credit Reference Information System records for youths who took loans from the National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN).

“This will assist the youths in starting their life, and secondly, we hope the same move can be taken by all state education funds,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mastura, who contested and lost in the Kepala Batas parliament seat in the last 14th general election (GE14), also urged party leaders to support more youths and women to be fielded in GE15.

At the end of her speech, the assembly’s permanent chairperson Kamal Ashaari praised Mastura for being the only delegate so far who kept to the eight-minute limit and debated with substance. -  Mkini