Penang moves to ensure 30% quota of women in the assembly

GEORGE TOWN – Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is optimistic that the programme to boost women representation at the public and private sectors here will be realised despite the pandemic and economic slowdown.
Chow told a webinar today better women representation will create a dynamic state legislative assembly.
Penang now lags behind Perlis, Selangor and Johor that have higher women representation in their state assemblies.
“When we discuss women’s representation in the state assembly, local governments or even in government linked companies (GLCs), we have to remember that the principles are the same as any academic and job opportunities provided for women. 
“Penang would like to emphasise its commitment towards women’s empowerment that includes gender inclusiveness.”
A programme that was launched last month called the Top-Up Women-Only Additional Seats (TWOAS) would see where Penang under its constitution allows women to be appointed as state assemblymen.
The move is to ensure that the state fulfils the 30% quota of women in the assembly.
Penang now has six female representatives from Umno, DAP and PKR, out of 40 in the state assembly.
“We do not have to amend Article 117 of the federal constitution. A two-third majority in the state legislative assembly is enough to amend Article 14 of the Penang state constitution,” Chow said.
He added that public input on TWOAS is welcome.  The TWOAS initiative is scheduled to be tabled year end since sittings and gatherings are suspended under the emergency order.
Political scientist Wong Chin Huat said the 30% quota is an international standard that was projected as the catalyst to induce a critical mass for women participation in the global economy.
TWOAS will only be implemented if the percentage of women elected representatives is less than 30% in Penang, he added.
Meanwhile, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said TWOAS must have an expiry period as it is only a temporary measure to ensure more women participation.
“Anything that has a quota can eventually be unhealthy in nation building.”
He added that the women candidates who lost in the previous election should not be nominated for TWOAS. – The Vibes, January 23, 2021