VIEW FROM THE COMMONWEALTH WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS (CWP) CHAIRPERSON
PROTECTING DEMOCRACY AND EQUAL REPRESENTATION View from the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson Women in Malaysia have made significant In ensuring the active participation of women progress in almost all areas since Malaysia’s in economic, social and political development, the independence in 1957. Their achievements have government has been duty-bound to be much more no doubt been facilitated by inclusive policies cognizant of its obligations to the Convention on the and plans of action developed by the government Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against of Malaysia. With a population of approximately Women (CEDAW); the Cairo Programme for Action 32.05 million, of which 15.49 million are 1994; the Beijing Platform for Action (BFPA); the female, the government has been sensitive and Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child responsive to the voices of women. Prostitution and Child Pornography; the Vienna Promoting equal representation requires a Plan of Action on Human Rights; the Sustainable consistent approach to integrating equality and Development Goals (SDGs); and the Plan of Action Hon. Dr Dato’ Noraini Ahmad, non-discrimination as normative standards across on the Advancement of Women. These commitments MP, Chairperson of the all governmental agendas through legal, policy signify an acceptance of women’s empowerment Commonwealth Women and programmatic measures where people are in the national and international policy agenda Parliamentarians (CWP) and placed at the heart of policy development, and as advocated by the Commonwealth Women Member of the Parliament of no one is left behind. Article 8(1) of the Federal Parliamentarians (CWP). Malaysia. Constitution of Malaysia upholds the equality Nevertheless, women’s representation in the principle that every person shall be equal under the law and have Parliament of Malaysia is still amongst the lowest of the ASEAN equal protection of the law. countries. Since the 13th General Elections in 2013, the proportion In 2001, Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution has been amended of female Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers at the Federal to prohibit gender discrimination. Malaysia has always recognised the level have increased to 12.3% from 11.4% in the previous Cabinet in dignity of all human beings and consistently supports all initiatives to 2008. This is mainly due to a reduction in Deputy Minister positions empower women and girls. The national Policy on Women (1989) from 38 to 25. The recent 14th General Election marks a growth shift accords women equal status and rights as enshrined in the Constitution. and the start of a multiracial and modern democracy. It witnessed voter turnout of 83.32%1, just slightly lower than the 84.84%2 turnout in the 13th General Election. A total of 12,229,514 voters out of 14,940,624 registered voters cast their vote on 9th May 20183. Out of the entire electorate, women voters represented 50.4%4. In line with the principles of a democratically elected government, Malaysians collectively exercised their rights to vote. This was really astonishing and exemplary. As Malcolm X once said, “[the] Ballot is like a bullet. You don’t throw your ballots until you see a target, and if that target is not within your reach, keep your ballot in your pocket.” In the days following the election, the nation exhibited a strong sense of maturity in adhering to the democratic process, evident by the peaceful transition of power. This historic moment which had impressed the whole world, is a signpost of political maturity amongst Malaysian. The recent 14th General Election was not only dubbed as the ‘mother of all elections’ but also can be reckoned as a stepping stone for women to shine and reach the highest political leadership position in the future. For the first time since Malaysia gained its independence, this election saw women’s political empowerment at the higher leadership level when Dr Wan Azizah binti Wan Ismail was appointed as the first female Deputy
“It is hoped that the outcome of the recent election will see more women taking part in politics, top managerial positions, economic decision-making and so on. Good education and a just society for young girls and women to be empowered are some of the parameters towards better economic, social, environment and political development, hence the promotion of continued democracy and equality.” 168 | The Parliamentarian | 2018: Issue Three