Latest news with #MeetingofWomenParliamentarians
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Policy alone not enough to empower women in leadership
KUCHING: Malaysia's 30 per cent policy to increase women's representation in decision-making roles is a step in the right direction, but the policy alone is not enough, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. Speaking at the opening of the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (WAIPA) 2025 here today, Johari said it must be complemented by efforts to confront systemic barriers, dismantle harmful stereotypes and foster environments where women can lead confidently without fear of discrimination or harassment. 'The obstacles we face are both tangible and intangible. Deep-rooted cultural norms still question the legitimacy of women's leadership. 'Unconscious bias still lurks in boardrooms, ballots, and beyond, keeping capable women on the sidelines of power and influence,' he said. Johari, who is also the current president of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), said in the digital age, the threats are evolving, online spaces meant to connect and empower have become battlegrounds where harassment seeks to silence women's voices. 'Economic inequality continues to block women's access to capital, opportunities, and the tools needed to thrive. 'Where walls exist, we must build doors. Legislative reform must move beyond token quotas towards true parity. 'Mentorship must evolve into sponsorship, where women are not only guided but championed. Our laws must be sharpened to protect and our social norms must be rewritten to celebrate, not just tolerate, women's leadership,' he said. Johari said that this year's WAIPA, themed 'Steering Innovation, Inclusivity, and Diversity Through Gender-Balanced Parliaments for a Future-Ready ASEAN,' is both timely and urgent. 'As the world evolves, so too must our institutions. ASEAN's resilience, prosperity, and future-readiness depend on unlocking the full potential of all its people, women and men alike. 'WAIPA is more than just a platform, it is a powerful catalyst for action. Here, dialogue becomes policy, alliances become movements, and commitments turn into real, measurable change,' he added.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Need for new law to tackle defamation arising from misuse of AI
KUCHING: As Malaysia grapples with the challenges of digital misinformation, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has proposed the introduction of legislation to tackle defamation arising from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), echoing similar proactive steps recently taken by Singapore. Johari said the move is essential to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, particularly the spread of extreme or malicious falsehoods. 'I am currently assessing whether we need to introduce this legislation in Malaysia. If it's necessary, we must allow it. It will help stem the tide of relentless attacks and extraordinary defamation, which ultimately benefit no one.' He said this at a press conference after opening the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) held in conjunction with the 45th General Assembly of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) here today. Meanwhile, Johari, who is the current president of AIPA, said the issue of women's participation in politics was among the focuses of attention at the WAIPA meeting, in addition to identifying the main obstacles preventing women from wanting to enter politics. 'The lack of female representation in politics is not solely due to online harassment but also the burden of multiple roles that women must juggle. 'For example, a woman who is a bank manager, wife, and mother must balance all three responsibilities when involved in politics,' he said. Furthermore, Johari said that women face heavier pressure compared to men, who often receive stronger spousal support, hence the need for policymakers to address this imbalance. 'It's time our policies and legal frameworks recognise the double burden shouldered by women. We need to build structural and systemic support that is more gender-sensitive, particularly within the political landscape,' he added.
Malay Mail
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Time for new laws to curb AI-fuelled defamation, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker
KUCHING, April 22 — As Malaysia grapples with the challenges of digital misinformation, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has proposed the introduction of legislation to tackle defamation arising from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), echoing similar proactive steps recently taken by Singapore. Johari said the move is essential to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, particularly the spread of extreme or malicious falsehoods. 'I am currently assessing whether we need to introduce this legislation in Malaysia. If it's necessary, we must allow it. It will help stem the tide of relentless attacks and extraordinary defamation, which ultimately benefit no one.' He said this at a press conference after opening the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (WAIPA) held in conjunction with the 45th General Assembly of Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) here today. Meanwhile, Johari, who is the current president of AIPA, said the issue of women's participation in politics was among the focuses of attention at the WAIPA meeting, in addition to identifying the main obstacles preventing women from wanting to enter politics. 'The lack of female representation in politics is not solely due to online harassment but also the burden of multiple roles that women must juggle. 'For example, a woman who is a bank manager, wife, and mother must balance all three responsibilities when involved in politics,' he said. Furthermore, Johari said that women face heavier pressure compared to men, who often receive stronger spousal support, hence the need for policymakers to address this imbalance. 'It's time our policies and legal frameworks recognise the double burden shouldered by women. We need to build structural and systemic support that is more gender-sensitive, particularly within the political landscape,' he added. — Bernama
Barnama
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Policy Alone Not Enough To Empower Women In Leadership
GENERAL KUCHING, April 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's 30 per cent policy to increase women's representation in decision-making roles is a step in the right direction, but the policy alone is not enough, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. Speaking at the opening of the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (WAIPA) 2025 here today, Johari said it must be complemented by efforts to confront systemic barriers, dismantle harmful stereotypes and foster environments where women can lead confidently without fear of discrimination or harassment. 'The obstacles we face are both tangible and intangible. Deep-rooted cultural norms still question the legitimacy of women's leadership. 'Unconscious bias still lurks in boardrooms, ballots, and beyond, keeping capable women on the sidelines of power and influence,' he said. Johari, who is also the current president of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), said in the digital age, the threats are evolving, online spaces meant to connect and empower have become battlegrounds where harassment seeks to silence women's voices. 'Economic inequality continues to block women's access to capital, opportunities, and the tools needed to thrive. 'Where walls exist, we must build doors. Legislative reform must move beyond token quotas towards true parity. 'Mentorship must evolve into sponsorship, where women are not only guided but championed. Our laws must be sharpened to protect and our social norms must be rewritten to celebrate, not just tolerate, women's leadership,' he said. Johari said that this year's WAIPA, themed 'Steering Innovation, Inclusivity, and Diversity Through Gender-Balanced Parliaments for a Future-Ready ASEAN,' is both timely and urgent.
The Star
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Need for new law to tackle defamation arising from AI misuse, says Dewan Rakyat speaker
KUCHING: As Malaysia grapples with the challenges of digital misinformation, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has proposed the introduction of legislation to tackle defamation arising from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), echoing similar proactive steps recently taken by Singapore. Johari said the move is essential to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks, particularly the spread of extreme or malicious falsehoods. "I am currently assessing whether we need to introduce this legislation in Malaysia. If it's necessary, we must allow it. It will help stem the tide of relentless attacks and extraordinary defamation, which ultimately benefit no one.' He said this at a press conference after opening the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of AIPA (Waipa) held in conjunction with the 45th General Assembly of Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) here on Tuesday (April 22). Meanwhile, Johari, who is the chairman of the 45th AIPA, said the issue of women's participation in politics was among the focuses of attention at the Waipa meeting, in addition to identifying the main obstacles preventing women from wanting to enter politics. "The lack of female representation in politics is not solely due to online harassment but also the burden of multiple roles that women must juggle. "For example, a woman who is a bank manager, wife, and mother must balance all three responsibilities when involved in politics,' he said. Furthermore, Johari said that women face heavier pressure compared to men, who often receive stronger spousal support, hence the need for policymakers to address this imbalance. "It's time our policies and legal frameworks recognise the double burden shouldered by women. We need to build structural and systemic support that is more gender-sensitive, particularly within the political landscape,' he added. - Bernama
