WOMEN-ONLY seats are among the options being considered as the government explores reviving the Gender Parity in Political Representation Bill to boost women’s representation in politics, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said this is among the matters being considered as the government looks at approaches adopted by other countries to improve women’s representation in decision-making.
“This is one of the matters we are working on under our National Women’s Policy.
“However, we can see quite clearly that this is not easy.
‘Nevertheless, we will not give up. We will continue our efforts and examine how other countries have approached this issue,” Nancy said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
Dr Zaliha (PH-Sekijang) had asked whether the ministry intends to revive the proposed Gender Parity in Political Representation Bill, which has been stalled since 2018.
Nancy acknowledged that the issue will remain a challenge without stronger support from political party leaders.
In June, the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development proposed a Gender Parity in Political Representation Bill that would require political parties to field at least 30% women candidates in general and state elections.
Its chairman, Yeo Bee Yin, said women’s representation in politics remained below the target, adding that the proposed Bill aimed to address the disparity.
The proposal includes establishing a Gender Parity Committee, leveraging existing Election Commission structures and introducing an incentive-based funding mechanism to encourage political parties to nominate and elect women candidates.
Meanwhile, Nancy said the government is also working to strengthen women’s participation in politics through initiatives such as the Women’s Leadership Apprenticeship (Perantis) programme.
“The programme provides women with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and demonstrate their capabilities,” she added.
Since its introduction in 2024, Perantis has benefited 5,369 women.
Last year, 125 prominent women were involved in its training and mentoring initiatives, she said.
