WE applauded the announcement by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that PKR will field 30% women candidates in GE15. However, as representatives of various civil society movements mentioned below, we would like to express our deep concern for the recent news report titled “Wanita PKR fuming over possible cuts to women candidates in GE15: sources” published on 20 October 2022 by The Vibes, that has quoted anonymous sources from within PKR, saying that the party is cutting down its women candidates despite its pledge.
The article mentions incumbents like Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Kak Wan), Maria Chin Abdullah, Datin Tan Yee Kew and June Leow Hsiad Hui are among the names rumoured to have a high possibility of being replaced by male candidates.
Kak Wan is a leading figure in Malaysian politics, carrying PKR, the opposition coalition and reform movement through some of its toughest moments. She is also the first woman to become a deputy prime minister of Malaysia, besides formerly holding the women, family and community development minister. Her experience and insights are invaluable and should not be discarded at a crucial time in Malaysian politics.
This is not the right time for her to leave the political scene as her role in Malaysian politics is unmatched. Kak Wan remains a strong candidate, a symbol of hope and immovable dedication. She continues to have the support of many Malaysians and will be a crucial voice as we face the “mother of all elections”.
Another name mentioned is Maria Chin Abdullah, a former Bersih chair and a prominent name among gender and human rights activists in Malaysia.
As Petaling Jaya MP, she has a proven track record and has continued to champion and voice out issues like law and institutional reform, human rights, poverty, gender discrimination and women’s issues.
She has also often organised and rallied support from civil society groups for such causes and acted as a bridge between MPs and activists during her tenure in the 14th Parliament.
Civil society still requires more activists like Maria in the Dewan Rakyat. The change we have brought thus far, while important, pales in comparison to the enormous task at hand.
The Vibes’ article also states that new women candidates are being considered for parliamentary seats, but they will be given difficult seats.
There have only ever been 84 women who have made it to the Dewan Rakyat since its establishment in 1959. The last Parliament saw only 14.86% women representation. Women remain underrepresented in politics despite half of the Malaysian population being female.
Although odd exception exists, for many Malaysian women, the system is not built for them regardless of how hard they work and no matter how much they sacrifice. We do not want their voices to be lost and their determination to be part of the solution extinguished and forgotten.
There is no doubt about the importance of increasing women representation in Parliament. It is a well-recorded fact with many examples from across the globe.
However, while the article’s contents can be brushed aside as being mere rumours, it is very unsettling and has dampened our spirit and belief that PKR and Pakatan Harapan will be leading the charge for better women representation during this coming election.
Such a notion is unacceptable to many of us, as gender equality is crucial to the reform agenda.
We would therefore like PKR to consider our appeal to allow incumbent women MPs to continue their work in politics and to pave the way for more women representation in politics. – The Vibes, October 25, 2022
This open letter to PKR was signed by 263 residents of Petaling Jaya, volunteers, activists and members of civil society organisations. The letter writers also wish to promote an online signature campaign for PKR to allow incumbent women MPs to contest again in their seats.
