PAS Ulama information chief and Kuala Nerus Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali At-Takiri said in a statement that households in Malaysia were increasingly broken, citing the rising number of divorces as evidence that the institution of the family was growing weaker. “As such, it is appropriate that the institution of the family be restored, including providing room and conducive space for each couple, especially wives so that they may perform their true function at home as wives and mothers,” he said.
This is an outrageous, sexist and feudal statement that dismisses the role of women by denying them their basic rights and equal opportunity to fulfil their potential as a human being. PAS President Datuk Seri Adbdul Hadi Awang should repudiate his Kuala Nerus Member Of Parliament and affirm that both men and women are equal partners in marriage and society, for without women’s role in nation-building, there will be no Malaysia.
Research has clearly demonstrated that gender equality is good for all; benefiting women, men, children and the entire community. In a September 2015 report, McKinsey and Co. found that globally, if women and men were given equal opportunities, US $28 trillion or 26% could be added to the global annual GDP by the year 2025.
In Malaysia, female labour participation rate is 52.4% in 2013, which is even lower than the global average of 55 % in 2013. To reach developed and high-income economy status, it will be helpful if the female labour participation rate is increased to more than 65%.
Instead of encouraging capable women to work, PAS appears to want to keep them locked up at home by blaming women for causing the breakdown of marriages. This is contrary to evidence that it is the men are at fault.
The true function of husbands and wives is to look after each other and their families together. More often than not the irresponsible behaviour of men has caused divorces and broken homes. Blaming the women is disrespecting and treating women not as human beings, but as mere possessions where the owner is never to be blamed.
DAP believes that both men and women are equal partners in developing our society as a whole. In other words, both men and women working together is pivotal in our quest to build a better Malaysia.