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PRESS RELEASE: Promote gender sensitivity in Parliament |
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Contributed by Ambiga Sreenevasan
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Saturday, 12 May 2007 10:01pm |
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Bar Council:
Sexist remarks unconstitutional
In 2006, Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution was amended to prohibit
discrimination against anyone on the grounds of gender. Prior to this Malaysia
had acceded to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1995.
As Malaysians, we have every reason to be proud that there was recognition by us
as a nation that any discrimination on the grounds of gender was unacceptable
and now in fact expressly prohibited. These moves were wholly in keeping with
international human rights norms.
Against this background, the sexist statements reported to have been made by
members of Parliament to the effect that another member of Parliament who is a
woman “also leaks once a month” are most unfortunate. Worse, those who spoke the
words apparently saw no fault in them, thus adding insult to injury.
Against this background, the sexist statements reported to have been made by
members of Parliament to the effect that another member of Parliament who is a
woman “also leaks once a month” are most unfortunate. Worse, those who spoke the
words apparently saw no fault in them, thus adding insult to injury.
The remarks made are offensive, distasteful and wholly unbecoming of members of
Parliament. Unfortunately it reflects a mindset that remains despite the
Government’s official position of gender equality. Enacting laws is one way to
ensure equality but no amount of legislating can remove deep-rooted prejudices
that lie in the hearts and minds of the people.
Gender equality is a responsibility of all Malaysians. It is a responsibility
that manifests in many ways. One is to work towards removing gender bias from
our laws. Another is to ensure that gender bias does not exist in our conduct
and that gender insensitive comments are eradicated from our vocabulary. If
made, they should not be tolerated. We expect our Parliamentarians to lead the
way in being gender sensitive in accordance with the letter and spirit of the
Federal Constitution.
We must seriously pursue our desired objective that women may participate fully
in the political, economic, cultural and social life of this country, without
having to tolerate discrimination.
Dated 11 May 2007
Ambiga Sreenevasan
Chairman
Bar Council
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Circular No 231/2010: 2nd Asia Pacific Regional Forum Conference
What is the point of amending the Constitution and allow such discrimination, especially committed by a wakil rakyat? What is the point of acceding the CEDAW? Kinabatangan MPs and his cohorts must be given their come uppance lest we make a mockery of the law and ourselves. Heads must roll as hell hath no fury than a woman scorned!! A message to the powers that be: Please walk the talk