[UPDATED] ‘Do you expect us to talk to chairs every day?’: Azalina hits out at absent ministers

KUALA LUMPUR – Former deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Pengerang-BN) today took a swipe at ministers who are constantly absent from Parliament during debates on the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

The Umno lawmaker said this when raising a point on sexual crimes against children, which falls under the purview of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry helmed by Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun. 

She pointed out that when she was the minister in the prime minister’s department, the government approved of her suggestion to establish session courts in every state. 

However, to date, the plan has not been realised, she said.

“We need a special court, special witness room, and a special approach. How many abuse cases where children are the victims? Where do we bring these cases to? 

“I wish to ask the minister who is responsible but she’s not here. Do you expect us to talk to chairs every day? 

“If you only want to be a minister but fail to solve this issue, then please don’t be a minister,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

She stressed that it is a pressing issue that needs to be tackled quickly, and that children fall victim to such crimes as they are at home all the time during this pandemic.

“It’s like the fox looking after the hen’s house (harapkan pagar, pagar makan padi).

“Behind closed doors, children become victims of sexual abuse despite having their parents, siblings, and grandparents at home with them,” she said. 

“Who will be held responsible?”

The Umno Supreme Council member also criticised the government over its appeal against the high court’s decision, which ruled that Malaysian mothers have the right to confer citizenship on their children born overseas, on an equal basis with Malaysian men.

“Be fair to all. If the mother cannot get it, don’t give it to the father either. Why is it that mothers are not granted (automatic citizenship rights for their children), but it’s alright for the fathers? I do not understand this.

“It’s up to the government to answer. I hope the others are not angry, I am just asking,” she said.

On September 9, the high court ruled that Malaysian mothers have the right to confer citizenship on their children born overseas on an equal basis with Malaysian men.

The court ruled that Article 14(1)(b) of the constitution, together with the Second Schedule, Part II, Section 1(b) pertaining to citizenship rights, must be read in harmony with Article 8(2), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender.

Judge Datuk Akhtar Tahir said the word “father” must be read to include mothers, and that their children are entitled to citizenship by operation of law.

“The grievances of the plaintiffs are real. The discrimination is apparent.”

However, the government then appealed against the decision, triggering an outcry.

On September 23, Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said the cabinet will discuss the matter of citizenship for children born abroad, as well as seek advice from the attorney-general on the next course of action.

Saifuddin said the government takes the issue seriously, as it involves discrimination and human rights. – The Vibes, September 29, 2021