Special Parliamentary Select Committee crucial to ensure that legal system upholds and protects the rights and dignity of all women in Malaysia

Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) urges the House Committee to endorse the establishment of the Special Select Committee on Women’s Affair, Children and Social Development.

In a news piece published by TheStar yesterday, only eight Special Select Committees will be formed and if passed, will take effect this upcoming November, whereas the Special Select Committee on Women’s Affair, Children, and Social Development is still up for consideration.

This is seen to be a regressive step away from ensuring that the rights and dignity of women are protected and realised.

Malaysia has recently struggled with a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the overall economy, and women are among the vulnerable groups that are affected in many ways economically socially, and in terms of their personal security and well-being.

Hence the establishment of this Special Select Committee is not only necessary in securing the rights and well-being of women in Malaysia, but to prove that the Malaysian government is totally committed to improve and uphold the rights of women through legislation and a change in the system.

The establishment of a Committee that focuses on women, children, and family should be given priority and we affirm that this portfolio be preserved.

We have also been informed that MP Alice Lau Kiong Yieng (Lanang Member of Parliament) has proposed the establishment of the special select committee and this has been endorsed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Thus we call upon the House Committee that consists of 6 Members of Parliament, namely MP Datuk Wira Hajah Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (Masjid Tanah Member of Parliament), MP Dato’ Seri Dr. Shahidan Kassim (Arau Member of Parliament), MP Tuan Haji Abdul Latif Abdul Rahman (Kuala Krai Member of Parliament), MP Dato’ Seri Tiong King Song (Bintulu Member of Parliament), MP Puan Alice Lau Kiong Yieng (Lanang Member of Parliament) dan MP Datuk Wira Dr. Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (Lumut Member of Parliament) verified & confirmed that they will push for the establishment of the Special Select Committee on Women’s Affair, Children and Social Development.

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Endorsed by:

1. Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
2. Foreign Spouses Support Group (FSSG)
3. Sisters in Islam (SIS)
4. Our Journey
5. Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
6. Justice for Sisters
7. ENGENDER Consultancy

For more information, please contact:

Rusni Tajari, Senior Advocacy Officer
rusnitajari@wao.org.my / 60133802287