Wanita MCA disappointed with lawyer’s ‘menstrual cycle’ remark

PETALING JAYA: Wanita MCA has expressed its disappointment over lawyer Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Harun’s statement that PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail’s menstrual cycle would prevent her from becoming Selangor Mentri Besar.

In a press statement, national chairman Datuk Heng Seai Kie said that gender and biology should not be considerations for someone to be appointed Mentri Besar.

“The selection of Mentri Besar should be based on one’s experience, ability and commitment to lead for the good of the people and the state of Selangor.

“Besides that, Article 51(2) of the Selangor State Constitution 1959 states that ‘no person should be appointed as Mentri Besar unless he is of the Malay race and professes the Muslim religion’.

“This clearly indicates that the two main requirements are for the candidate to be a Muslim and a Malay. There is no provision which disallows women from being given that job,” said Heng.

According to the former Family, Women and Community Development Deputy Minister, denying Wan Azizah the chance to be appointed Mentri Besar simply because she is a woman is unconstitutional and against basic human rights.

“I would like to remind male chauvinists that without women and our born-biological nature (menstrual cycle), mankind would be extinct and none of us would exist today.

“In fact, it is a special right and obligation entrusted to women by God because women are more resilient, enduring, loving and caring. Therefore, it should be much appreciated and respected by all, instead of being seen as an obstacle or an excuse to hinder women from moving forward,” she said.

Heng however, expressed concern if Wan Azizah was prepared to replace Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim as Mentri Besar.

“To be frank, the issue I am more concerned with is if Wan Azizah is to be selected, is she ready and would she be able to lead Selangor to a better tomorrow? More importantly, would she be given a free hand to rule?

“Based on her previous track record, it is more probable that she will only serve as a puppet and be manipulated by her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his own personal political agenda,” she said.

On Monday, Lawyer Hafarizam was reported to have said that a woman Mentri Besar would suffer from uzur syarie which would present several obstacles should she be required to accompany the Sultan during religious functions.