KUALA LUMPUR – The recent announcement of an all-male state executive council (exco) line-up in Terengganu has sparked concerns about potential neglect of women’s welfare in the state.
Speaking with Scoop, various political figures have emphasised the need for higher female representation in leadership roles to ensure comprehensive consideration of women’s concerns within the nation.
Srikandi Bersatu deputy chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin expressed her gratitude that a female candidate was fielded by Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Terengganu chapter, but also lamented how the elected assemblywoman was not elected as an executive council member.
“Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar should have elected one (female) representative to be in the state executive council, alongside all the male members,” she said.
“This is to showcase that the new state government is for everyone and that they do not discriminate against women in the state assembly.”
While acknowledging that the all-male exco might lack a full understanding of women’s needs, Mas Ermieyati suggested that effective engagement with various women’s organisations could still ensure their concerns are addressed.
She also expressed hope that Samsuri, given his professional background, would recognise the significance of integrating female leadership into Terengganu’s development.
“This is a good start for Terengganu. I hope in the future they can have more female candidates and showcase more women’s leadership who can be icons to other states,” she said.
In the recently-concluded state polls, PN fielded a sole female candidate in Terengganu, Zuraida Md Noor, who secured the Ladang seat.
Former three-term Klang MP Charles Santiago echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Malaysia’s progress should not be reversed, particularly with regard to the participation of women and youth in the nation’s progress.
He opined that the lack of representation in the state legislative assembly is “insensitive”, as certain issues can only be understood by women.
“Now, you have males who understand the world in a particular way. They will use their perspective to solve women-centred issues – especially reproductive rights,” Santiago said.
“It is going backwards. They must involve women at the highest levels. We must be forward-looking in Malaysia. This is 2023; I’m sure they can find capable women.”
Santiago said appointing Zuraida as an exco could have encouraged inclusivity and would have been a respectful move for the women who voted for the coalition.
He disputed the notion that the appointments were not carefully considered and called for clarity on the rationale behind the all-male exco line-up.
“Is this a religious view they are following, that leaders should only be men, not women?” Kelantan has appointed a female exco member, why not Terengganu?” he asked.
Santiago also encouraged Perikatan Nasional to take inspiration from Pakatan Harapan, which boasts women in leadership positions such as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, all serving as role models for the people. – August 17, 2023