Sexist remarks unparliamentary, lawmakers should be held to higher standards

A SIGNIFICANT milestone for Malaysia’s pursuit of greater gender equality was reached in 1995 with the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Earlier this year, the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 was also passed, which provides longer maternity leave. Meanwhile, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill was passed in the Dewan Rakyat this week.

Thus, Wanita MCA is disappointed by the outbursts of offensive language and sexist remarks during Parliament sessions, despite the fact that such conduct has been clearly prohibited since the amendments to the Dewan Rakyat Standing Orders in 2012.

In reality, the mentality of leaders plays a major role in spearheading gender equality reforms.

This is because there are still mental obstacles within the community which slows the progress of human rights empowerment.

Hence, hostile stereotypes and sexist remarks are not only unparliamentary, but also a regression of principles considering that Malaysia is a signatory to CEDAW.

Therefore, all quartres including ministries, critics, politicians, lawmakers, and all members of the society need to gain awareness and cooperate together, and integrate in our daily interactions the principles of CEDAW to fight all forms of discrimination against women.

SAW OOI LENG

Secretary-General,

Wanita MCA