KUALA LUMPUR, 30 JAN: Kota Raja MP, Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud hopes that the involvement in the ministry will increase after Pakatan Rakyat (PR) manages to form government in Putrajaya.
This was due to the little attention given currently by the Umno-BN administration to a point that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had to take up position as Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.
According to Dr Siti, the incomprehensive implementation practised by the current government has resulted in several things being done without thinking about women.
“When winning over Putrajaya, one of my suggestions is for every ministry to have a woman, either as minister or deputy minister.
“This is to ensure the planned women’s agenda can be implemented together,” she said.
Dr Siti Mariah said this when speaking at a Fundraising Dinner in conjunction with the 13th General Elections (GE-13) organised by the Lembah Pantai PKR last night.
The Malaysian Women’s Agenda that was introduced by Wanita Pakatan Rakyat (Pakatan Rakyat Women’s Wing) last April had outlined several initiatives that will be implemented when PR takes over the government of the country.
Among them is a contribution of RM50 per month or RM600 annually for housewives whose household income is less than RM1,500, for future savings.
In addition, an Anti-Domestic Violence Commission will be established to protect women who are often victims of domestic violence.
Meanwhile, Lembah Pantai MP, Nurul Izzah Anwar pointed out that women’s participation is important in national politics in efforts to bring change to Malaysia.
“Why do women have to come together (in bringing change)?
“We want to build a safer, better Malaysia, for the people. Not for cronies,” said Nurul Izzah.
Nurul Izzah added that the commitment from PR is not only to spur the nation towards betterment but to continuously defend the rights of women.
The dinner which was held at the Selangor-Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall was also attended by PKR President, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Seputeh MP, Teresa Kok and Selangor Exco, Elizabeth Wong.
The attendees were also treated to a special appearance by the famous national singer, Aishah.