JOHOR BARU: Malaysia remains among the lowest in Asean for women’s representation in Parliament, says Seputeh MP Teresa Kok (pic), who urged Pakatan Harapan to field more female candidates in the upcoming elections.
She said Malaysia currently has only 30 women MPs in the Dewan Rakyat, making up 13.5%.
“The figure marks a decline from after the 14th General Election, when there were 33 women MPs, or 14.9% of Parliament.
“Pakatan must field more women candidates in the upcoming general and state elections.
“Women are not merely quota fillers but leaders who bring fresh perspectives and social justice to Malaysian politics,” she said in her debate speech as the Federal Territories representative during the Pakatan convention at Persada Johor International Convention Centre here on Sunday (May 17).
Kok said Malaysia ranked second-lowest in Asean for female parliamentary representation, ahead of only Cambodia at 13.6%.
She pointed out that other regional countries had significantly higher representation, including Singapore (32.3%), Vietnam (30%), Laos (29.7%), Philippines (28.3%), Indonesia (22.1%) and Thailand (19.8%).
As a key pillar of the federal government, she said the coalition should lead efforts to address the gender gap through electoral reforms and stronger commitments from political parties.
“The future of Malaysian politics requires the courage to open up more leadership opportunities for women,” she added.
