KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to secure 30% female representation in politics requires the agreement of all political party presidents before it can be pursued through the Federal Government, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said she had written to the Federal Government on the matter, but noted that the issue could not be decided by the Prime Minister alone as it involves all political parties in the country.
“I have written a letter to the Government. However, because this involves politics, it cannot be answered by the Prime Minister alone as it involves the political parties in our country.
“Therefore, it depends on the presidents of the political parties. At this time, the matter has not yet involved the party presidents,” she told the press after the ministry’s Budget 2027 engagement session at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Friday (Aug 14).
Also present were Deputy Minister Lim Hui Yin and deputy secretary-general (Strategic) Mohd Daud Mohd Arif.
Nancy said she would raise the matter again with the Prime Minister to explore ways for the proposal to be discussed with party leaders.
ALSO READ: Parliamentary select committee proposes 30 per cent quota for women candidates
“You cannot ask for the budget yet because it must first be agreed upon by all the party presidents. If the party presidents do not want 30% women’s participation in politics, then what are the other attractive ways to engage women? There are ways,” she said.
She added that the Federal Government cannot impose a 30% quota on political parties, but should instead explore creative approaches to encourage greater participation by women.
“For example, we have our Perantis programme (Program Perantisan Kepimpinan Wanita) to encourage women’s involvement in politics. However, through this programme, we cannot demand that the Government impose 30% women’s participation in politics. We cannot impose it, but we can find creative ways to make it a reality,” she said.
On caregivers, Nancy mentioned that the ministry has submitted its own recommendations to enhance support mechanisms for caregivers and those under their care under Budget 2027.
“I cannot mention them here because later people may ask why they have not yet been approved, or say that we do not want them. But we do have our own proposals for improvement to ensure that caregivers and those under their care receive the assistance they deserve,” she said.
