THE new cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should comprise at least 30% women ministers.
Even if the new Najib-led cabinet is reduced in number, the prime minister should still implement and ensure at least 30% participation of women, in accordance with the United Nation’s Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw), [which Malaysia is a signatory of].
Najib should also consider the appointment of a non-Malay [Malaysian] deputy prime minister to better reflect our ethnic representation in the new government.
The current economic crunch will impact the income of most Malaysian households. The government should take serious precautionary measures as women may be affected the most by increased financial difficulties. Domestic violence, sexual crimes and other social and security problems faced by women may increase.
Women are also the most vulnerable group in the job market and will be the most likely to be exposed to unemployment risk. Therefore, the Najib-led government must be proactive to act fast and implement programs to cushion the impact of the economic situation, especially on women.
Chong Eng
Bukit Mertajam Member of Parliament
DAP Women’s Wing Chief
4 April 2009
XY says
“THE new cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should comprise at least 30% women ministers.”
“Najib should also consider the appointment of a non-Malay [Malaysian] deputy prime minister to better reflect our ethnic representation in the new government.”
Are their appointments to be based on merit or is this a request for affirmative action?
Gopal raj Kumar says
Why discriminate further when there is enough discrimination? And when you say women, which group of women do you refer to?
The trend created by Germaine Greer, Naomi Woolf, Sheryl Hite and other western ‘feminists’ like Gloria Steinem and their ilk has long lost its currency for its Euro centric definitions of what women and their causes are.
Those politically, culturally and morally bankrupt amongst us who feel so compelled to ape them and their values are more an item of curiosity than they are of relevance or significance to our ways of life.
Let merit alone be the criteria and not a casualty. To have women by means of positive discrimination is to agree to the NEP which is also positive discrimination. It has the same basis.
And for gods sake don’t wear a bob cut and grey hair (au natural) and not shave your legs and armpit hairs. It’s disgusting. Be a little more original and creative. Asia had liberated its women a long time ago without the symbolism of western feminism.
It is the aping of western fads and lifestyles that lead to a natural exclusion of women and coloured peoples. Why do we need their guidance when we have our own sources and philosophies to draw from?
Gopal Raj Kumar (with shaved armpit and legs)