Kuala lumpur: The implementation of a 30 percent women's quota in Malaysian politics is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing the foundations of democracy by making it more inclusive and equitable, said Women, Children and Community Development Select Committee (WCCDSC) chairman Yeo Bee Yin. She emphasized that this initiative is not just about increasing the number of women leaders but about reinforcing democratic practices in the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the WCCDSC has been actively engaging with various stakeholders, including academics and non-governmental organizations, to study the application of women's quotas in other countries. These discussions aim to understand the challenges within the Malaysian context and evaluate the potential impact on the nation's democratic system and political culture.
Yeo highlighted the necessity for Malaysia to adopt a clear political commitment to enhance women's representation through more robust and effective legal measures. She stated, "The objective of this programme is not just to increase the number of women in politics, but to strengthen the foundation of our democracy so that it becomes more inclusive, fair, and reflective of Malaysia's true diversity."
In her opening speech at the briefing titled '30 Per Cent Women's Quota in Politics: Strengthening Women's Representation Through Legal Amendments' held at the Parliament building, Yeo underscored that empowering women in politics is a collective effort towards achieving a balanced and credible leadership system. She pointed out the value women bring to policymaking, especially in fields like education, health, social welfare, family economics, and social justice.
Yeo called on all parties, regardless of political affiliation, gender, or ideology, to recognize the agenda of strengthening women's representation as a shared responsibility. She stressed the importance of this initiative for a more mature and equitable democratic future in Malaysia.
Parliament Malaysia, in a statement, noted that the briefing was designed to enhance understanding among members of the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat regarding the necessity of implementing a minimum quota of 30 percent women candidates in general and state elections through a comprehensive legal framework. This briefing is part of Parliament Malaysia's ongoing efforts, through the WCCDSC, to fortify gender equality policies and empower women's roles in leadership and decision-making at the government's highest levels.
The statement also acknowledged the contributions of Project 30% and Fair Play Funding for their cooperation and commitment in organizing the programme, along with the support of all participants for an agenda focused on inclusive political reform.