PETALING JAYA: Qualified women candidates should be given fair opportunities to contest competitive and winnable seats or risk falling short in achieving the goal of greater women's representation, says senator Datuk Wong You Fong.
Wong, who is also Wanita MCA chief, said women constitute approximately half of Malaysia's population, yet remain underrepresented in political leadership.
She also said there is a fundamental difference between 30% women candidates and 30% women elected representatives.
“Increasing the number of female candidates alone would not necessarily translate into greater representation in Parliament.
“Political parties must go beyond numerical targets by providing qualified women with fair opportunities to contest competitive and winnable seats.
“Otherwise, the intended objective of greater women's representation may remain unfulfilled,” she said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 21).
Wong said meaningful progress also requires sustained efforts in leadership development, mentorship and the removal of structural barriers that continue to limit women's political participation.
“Wanita MCA has consistently advocated the national aspiration of achieving at least 30% women's representation in political decision-making,” she said.
Wong, who is also a Dewan Negara Senator, called for careful consideration of the proposed Gender Parity in Political Representation Bill.
She urged for meaningful consultation with political parties and relevant stakeholders.
This, Wong said, ensures that any legislative measures are practical, constitutionally sound and effective in achieving meaningful and sustainable women's political representation.
On the proposed Anti-Discrimination Against Women Bill and Malaysia's commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Wong stressed the importance of strengthening legal protection against discrimination while ensuring legislative reforms remain consistent with the Federal Constitution and the division of powers between the Federal and State Governments.
“Gender equality must go beyond declarations and numerical targets.
“What matters is creating genuine opportunities, removing existing barriers and ensuring that women can participate, lead and contribute on an equal footing,” she said.
Wong also affirmed Wanita MCA’s commitment to constructively contributing to legislative and policy reforms that advance women's rights, strengthen political representation and promote meaningful gender equality in Malaysia.
