KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Chong Sin Woon has suggested that MCA should award Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh to encourage more Malaysian women to see her as a role model in striving for success.
The MCA secretary-general said that the international superstar from Malaysia has been a source of pride for our nation, especially for women.
"It's not the awards that she has won. Rather, it is her courage and hard work in striving to be on equal footing with men and daring to challenge male dominance," said Chong.
"In her acceptance speech when she lifted the Oscars award, she said, 'Don't ever let anybody tell you you're past your prime. Never give up!' This is what our Wanita comrades should learn most," he added,
He said that as such, MCA should present an award to Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, bestowing her the highest honour, and also encourage more Malaysian women to emulate her as a role model.
He said this when opening the 48th Wanita MCA annual general meeting at Wisma MCA on Saturday (Oct 21) here.
Chong also highlighted the story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician and physicist, who faced racial and gender discrimination at NASA during the era of the moon landing.
He said that she persevered and gained the respect of her colleagues through her exceptional mathematical skills and dedication.
"Her calculations in aerospace dynamics were instrumental in the success of the United States space missions, including the moon landing. Johnson emerged as a hero, defying societal barriers and making a significant impact in the field of space exploration," he said.
To prevent talents from being overlooked, he said a persistent pursuit of gender equality and racial equality is a constant struggle that all women-based organisations must fight for.
In the current political scenario, Chong urged Wanita MCA to strive for fair treatment for Chinese Malaysians and women, while promoting women's rights and gender equality, with the aim of regaining the support of Chinese voters for the party.
He then added he hopes that under the new leadership, Wanita MCA will continue the fighting spirit of their predecessors and develop work plans to carry on the struggles of each generation.
Chong then said that the brickbats among political parties over religious issues not only intensified the nation's instability but also tore society apart, victimising non-Muslims.
"Amid the current race among political parties to showcase their conservatism, there must be sufficient checks and balances taken towards those in power. Otherwise, the rights of non-Muslims will be violated and sacrificed," he said.
In the previous general and state elections, Chong said voting patterns have shown a clear trend of racial polarisation.
"The majority of Malay voters support Perikatan Nasional, while non-Malay voters overwhelmingly lean towards Pakatan Harapan. This constant divide over racial and religious issues has kept the country's political situation in continued instability," said Chong
"It can be seen from the Prime Minister's statement that Malaysia is not a secular state, to the Education Ministry's promoting Hadith module, and the Higher Education Ministry introducing guidelines for segregated seating at university concerts, as well as occasional dress codes banning shorts and skirts issued by government agencies.
"While both sides compete to demonstrate their conservatism and religious devotion, where is our country ultimately heading?" said Chong.
While the religious conservatism displayed by certain parties became a cause for concern, Chong said greater vigilance is necessary for those in power who possess the executive and legislative powers and resources.
"If they are not subject to sufficient checks and balances, or if they remain silent like some political parties after taking office, the rights of non-Muslims or minority groups will be violated and muted."
Chong said it was precisely at this critical moment that the Wanita MCA should remain vigilant on the frontlines of the fight for women's rights.
"We must quickly respond and join forces with like-minded individuals and groups.
"Besides advocating for women's rights, we must also firmly hold the line against the wave of conservatism and "religiousisation", striving to reverse the tide and redirect the country towards a path of diversity, moderation, unity and integration," he said.
In her speech, Wanita MCA chief Wong You Fong said she would practice a leadership style that emphasises inclusiveness and valuing talent.
"I will be committed to fostering a culture of training and development. In our newly appointed central committee, we will bring together talented individuals from various fields. Let us unite and collaborate to realise our political ideals," she said.
Wong said that Wanita MCA’s three main focuses were to develop the political thinking of its members through training in hosting, public speaking, and debating.
“Secondly, we will strengthen policy research on women's rights, involving our Women's Legal Advice and Assistance Center (LAWA) in proactive research and policy discussions.
“Lastly, we will embrace social media and online platforms to engage women and the community, adapting communication methods, and seeking transformation and innovation.
“As the women's wing in the party, we must dare to innovate, be bold in our reforms, actively participate in activities and organisational work, and adeptly harness the power of social media and the internet to amplify our voice and influence.
“This modern approach will better convey our ideals and policies to a wider audience,” she said.
