GEORGE TOWN – Penang has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that at least 30% of the State Legislative Assembly's 40 elected representatives are women.
To achieve this, the Penang governement will propose amendments to the state constitution as well as engage with all political parties contesting in Penang.
The state government aims to meet this target by the next general election, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said today.
If it fails to do so, the state will propose for a democratic apportionment schedule, whereby women can be nominated to be appointed as assemblymen.
A list can then be prepared by political parties, from which the state can select members to fill nominated positions in the assembly, said Chow.
Penang has also asked state exco Chong Eng, who oversees the women's affairs portfolio, to lead the effort.
"It means that, out of 40 elected representatives, 12 should be women," Chow said.
He added that Penang can amend its constitution to allow the process to be legally binding.
He said the move also involves amending remuneration aspects to allow appointed assemblymen to be paid allowances and salaries to perform the tasks.
If the plan comes to fruition by next year, Penang will be the first state in Malaysia to ensure that 30% of its assemblymen are women. – The Vibes, December 10, 2020
Penang committed to meeting 30% women reps target: CM
State government aims to do this by the next general election, says Chow Kon Yeow
Updated 5 years ago · Published on 10 Dec 2020 4:50PM
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