KUCHING: The number of women involved in politics is still very low despite, says Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Women vice-chief Datuk Sri Nancy Shukri.
The Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture minister said women in politics, particularly in Sarawak, were very few although the percentage of those holding high posts had increased.
“Women MPs and members of NGOs have fought for gender equality, but the target of 30 per cent representation for women has yet to be achieved.
“Compared to other countries, we are still very far behind, especially in politics. I think it is mainly because political parties are led and controlled by men,” she said last Sunday (Aug 23).
“When I became a Member of Parliament in 2008, there was just over 10 per cent of women MPs.
“There was a slight increase in 2012 although it was still within the range of 12 per cent. It did not reflect on the population of women in the country.
“During each of the past elections, we always looked forward to seeing that at least 30 per cent female candidates but it never materialised,” the Batang Sadong MP lamented.
As an example, she mentioned Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who had helmed Parti Keadlian Rakyat (PKR) when her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was in jail.
“That was a political party led by a woman. Wan Azizah was the leader when her husband was in jail. However, she had to give back the position to her husband when he was released.
“We never really had a political party led by a woman. Until today, political parties in Malaysia are all led by men.
“It shows that our women have always allowed men to take the lead. I do not see women showing serious interest in leading a political party.
“It has been years since women began their meetings, gatherings and demanding for the 30 per cent quota for themselves in decision-making positions, and that’s all!”
Calling on women to be serious once they are in politics, Nancy stressed that the empowerment of women did not only lie on the shoulders of the government alone.
“Political parties must also make it a point to attract women members.
“Year by year, women MPs have been brainstorming about how women should be given more opportunities and have more voice in politics.
“Honestly, there is no doubt that our requests have been acknowledged and granted in many sectors, but not so much in politics.
“So, what can women do? Considering that men are already dominant in politics; I think women should come up with appropriate strategies.
“Women have to find ways to get men to accept them as leaders in political parties. On their part, women have to unite to make sure that their needs are continuously being met.
“Another way to empower more women is by amending party constitutions or the federal constitution to set quotas for women candidates.”
On Sarawak politics, Nancy opined that there should be more efforts to increase women representation in the State Legislative Assembly and the Cabinet.
Citing her own party, PBB, as an example, she said the party continued to push for more women candidates.
“Referring to Sarawak’s politics, historically, apart from the reign of our political legends in the name of Datuk Ajibah Abol, Datuk Hafsah Harun and Datuk Sharifah Mordiah.
“Currently there are six women in the State Assembly. This is hardly enough to fill the quota.
“It has been like that since the beginning of politics. Women have always shied from the forefront of politics, yet are very efficient in running the political groundwork.
“Also, no matter how hard women work, our community still look up to men as leaders.
“It takes time to change the perception and convince the people that women are equally good and efficient leaders.
“In Parliament, we have four female MPs, all from PBB, and two female senators from PBB and PRS respectively.
“Ultimately, it is up to the women themselves to determine their political participation. Perhaps women are satisfied with the way their government is treating them.”
Nancy believed that the impact of women’s contribution to politics would be best seen only with the rising number of women with good merits, holding high political positions.
“Happy Women’s Day to our women. Every year Women’s Day is celebrated on Aug 25 nationwide.
“The status of women has long been recognised by institutions, corporate entities and by many other institutions.
“And with special recognition from the government, we are forever grateful for our representation.”
