KUALA LUMPUR – Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-PH) wants Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun to emulate her male cabinet compatriots in engaging opposition MPs of the same gender.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, the DAP secretary-general noted how male ministers in the current government have held a series of engagements with fellow male Pakatan Harapan (PH) MPs to discuss various pressing issues.
In this regard, he said Rina should also meet with female PH MPs on matters concerning the female gender.
“If in discussions, male ministers can meet male PH leaders, why can’t the women minister meet up with women MPs from PH? I think this cannot be accepted.
“I hope the minister who is here now can give a guarantee. Can? Can you meet them? Can or not? Just nod your head.
“Okay can, you nod your head. Thank you, honourable minister. I think our MPs will schedule a meeting with you,” he said.
Rina then stood up to point out that the government has already set up a national children’s council that meets three times a year, and Hannah Yeoh (Segambut-PH) was previously invited.
“However, I was informed that she could not make it to the last meeting. Regardless, we are always open to having discussions in the interest of the rakyat,” she said.
Lim responded saying it will be better to hold discussions in a smaller group where proper interactions can take place.
“It shouldn’t just be in a big group where we (PH) will just be a spectator. What I am proposing is a proper engagement, this is important.”
The Bagan MP said PH will have several proposals to share pertaining to the interests of women and children and pointed out that such an issue should go beyond politics. – The Vibes, November 1, 2021
