PETALING JAYA: Wanita MCA has objected to the “crass jokes” and distasteful remarks shown in a video clip that was supposed to promote an entrepreneurial programme.
The comments by actor Datuk Rosyam Nor only affirmed long-held condescending gender profiling of women, said Wanita MCA chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie (pic).
She also criticised Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun for appearing to condone his action and not stopping to enlighten him.
The matter came to light yesterday when the ministry put up the brief TikTok video, ostensibly to promote the ministry’s entrepreneurship programme.
Rosyam was seen making remarks such as “women are all slow” while a smiling Rina stood next to him.
In a statement yesterday, Heng acknowledged that a full recording of the celebrity’s words would provide better context on what had actually transpired.
Nevertheless, she said Rosyam’s jokes were crass and would reinforce the typecast of women.
She also said Rina, as the minister, should have put a stop to the “nonsensical talk” and educated him instead.
“If Datuk Seri Rina Harun had immediately (done so), this would have left a meaningful impact.
“Not only have such portrayals tarnished the ministry, they completely defeat the initiatives to empower women which the ministry and its staff have long laboured on,” she said.
She added that it would have been helpful if Rina and Rosyam had highlighted the aims and benefits of the entrepreneurship programme and how it would uplift women.
Heng also called for a syllabus on gender sensitisation to be taught in schools and right up to the tertiary level.
“Such courses should also be made mandatory during the induction and training of civil servants.
“This is to inculcate mutual respect among the genders, in addition to removing archaic stereotypes that degrade women and their daily struggles in the domestic sphere and work life,” she said.
