KAJANG, Jan 6 ― Pakatan Harapan (PH) president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today she wishes to see 30 per cent participation of women in the 14th general elections (GE14) for the federal Opposition coalition.

Speaking at the the launch of the women’s wing of the pact at Dewan Seri Chempaka here, Dr Wan Azizah said the role of women in policy making, helming organisations and socio-economic development can no longer be denied.

“Malaysian women represent 50 per cent of the voters today and yet many still do not know their rights and are simply looked over.

“With more women participating in decision making roles, particularly politics, we could be a force to be reckoned with,” the PKR president said to a room of 1,000 women delegates.

Advertisement

Women make up 49.5 per cent of Malaysian citizens, and 48.4 per cent of the overall 32 million population, according to the latest estimates by the Department of Statistics published in August last year.

Dr Wan Azizah also asserted that the Opposition pact is more serious and effective in fighting the women’s agenda compared to ruling coalition Barisan Nasional.

“We have established the Malaysian Women Agenda back on 2012 to fight for better socio economic opportunies  for women.

Advertisement

“Subsequently when we were given mandate to govern Penang and Selangor, we have taken many women-centric initiatives and even setting up the Selangor Women Empowerment Centre and Penang Women’s Development Corporation,” she said.

The agenda includes seven main thrusts: democracy in politics and leadership, the future of young Malaysian women, economic development that is inclusive of women, progressive education policies, sustainable healthcare, social harmony, and the empowerment and enforcement of laws.