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Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Constitutional amendment on citizenship conferment: A milestone for gender equality in Malaysia
WANITA MCA welcomes the anticipated implementation of the amendment to the Federal Constitution on Malaysian citizenship conferment, expected to be completed next year. This amendment represents a crucial step forward for Malaysia in advancing gender equality in citizenship rights. It is also the result of years of sustained advocacy, not only by Wanita MCA, but also by various civil society groups united in our shared pursuit of gender equality. This milestone is especially significant, as once the amendment takes effect, Malaysian mothers will have the same legal rights as Malaysian fathers to confer citizenship to their infants born overseas. It corrects a longstanding discriminatory provision that previously allowed only fathers to pass on the Malaysian citizenship. This is a meaningful step towards eliminating institutional gender inequality in our country. As both mothers and citizens, women deserve the same legal rights as men, including the right to confer citizenship to their children. The reform also supports national development by addressing the loss of talent caused by legal inequities. A fairer legal framework will encourage more Malaysian women professionals abroad to return, along with their families, and contribute to the country's growth. Simultaneously, we need to acknowledge that discrimination against women still exists in certain legal and administrative systems. In particular, issues related to divorce rights and workplace protections continue to place women at a disadvantage. True gender equality cannot be achieved through isolated legal amendments or symbolic gestures. A thorough review of all remaining laws and policies that contain gender bias is essential, with a clear commitment to reform that ensures fair treatment of women across all sectors. As part of our efforts towards broader systemic reform, we once again highlight the ten petitions put forward by Wanita MCA advocating for gender equality and women's rights in Malaysia. One key petition calls for the swift passage of the Anti-Discrimination Against Women Bill, to ensure all legislation reflects the fundamental value of gender parity. Wanita MCA reaffirms our commitment to working closely with both civil society and the government to ensure this constitutional reform is implemented fairly, transparently and effectively. Every Malaysian mother deserves the full dignity and protection that the law is meant to provide. ‒ Aug 8, 2025 Datuk Wong You Fong is the Wanita MCA national chairperson. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Al Jazeera
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Stronger support system needed'
Wong: Legal and social reform vital to increase female participation in job market PETALING JAYA: Malaysia needs comprehensive strategies to cultivate talents in artificial intelligence (AI) to realise its ambition of becoming an AI-centric nation by 2030, says Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong ( pic ). 'Developed countries have long integrated AI into their university curricula, underscoring the necessity for thorough planning,' she said in an interview yesterday. With Malaysia's progress in gender equality in education, where women now account for over 50% of university students, Wong said the nation can build on this achievement by creating dedicated AI faculties within universities to develop a skilled workforce. 'We need to set a target for how many AI specialists we can produce at higher education levels within the next five years,' she said. Wong added that increased female labour market participation could boost the nation's gross domestic product (GDP), as women are a crucial element of the labour force. On Thursday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia aims to become an AI-centric nation by 2030 under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The initiative seeks to position Malaysia as a leader in digital technology in South-East Asia, focusing on AI integration, digital infrastructure and boosting the economy through technology. He also said the 13MP aims to raise female labour force participation to 60% by 2030, with measures including expanded childcare, reskilling and gender-inclusive workplace initiatives. He said the five-year roadmap seeks to create a more inclusive workforce, especially for mothers and women returning to work. Wong said the government's target of 60% female labour force participation by 2030 is 'a solid step forward'. 'However, we need support that extends beyond urban professional women to include rural, low-income and minority women. 'We must reach across poverty and geography,' she said. Wong also called for increased leadership roles and political representation to address women's empowerment beyond job numbers. 'Real empowerment includes leadership in workplaces and politics. There should be at least 30% women in leadership positions.' Wong also highlighted the urgency of legal reforms, pressing for the criminalisation of marital rape, reform of maintenance orders, the passing of an Anti-Discrimination Against Women Bill and an end to child marriage and unilateral conversion of minors. She also said there are 'necessary but insufficient' efforts on flexible work and childcare, calling for combining flexible work with fair pay, career progression and robust anti-harassment frameworks, particularly in gig and digital sectors. 'Data-driven follow-up is important. We need periodic progress tracking to ensure equitable outcomes for all women, including rural, single mothers, disabled women and minority communities.' On efforts to address gender inequalities, she noted a petition launched in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of Malaysia's signing of Cedaw (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women). 'It is important to focus on areas that have not yet achieved equality, despite years of advocacy,' she added. Engender Consultancy founder and principal consultant Omna-Sreeni Ong said the 13MP's Kasih Keluarga Negara framework, which introduces gender impact assessments (GIAs) and gender audits, is a potential game-changer in increasing women participation in the workforce. 'GIAs are essential for evaluating how policies and projects impact different groups of women and men, ensuring equitable outcomes and opportunities. 'For example, a policy aimed at promoting economic growth might unintentionally exclude women if it doesn't address their specific barriers to accessing education, training or financial resources,' she added. Omna-Sreeni, who also co-chairs the Malaysian CSO-SDG Alliance, said GIAs implementation requires capacity building across all ministries and agencies, a process that is already underway with resources providing GIA training to ministries and leaders.
