Seai Kie: Don’t deny Kak Wan the Selangor MB job just because she is a woman

I am disappointed wth Datuk Hafarizam Harun’s statement reported in the New Straits Times on 15 July 2014, saying that a woman cannot become a Menteri Besar because she will face many obstacles for her to accompany the Sultan when she suffers from “uzur syarie” (period).

The selection of a Menteri Besar should be based on one’s experience, ability and commitment to lead for the good of the people and the state of Selangor; not based on his or her gender or biological nature.

Besides that, Article 51(2) of the Selangor State Constitution 1959 only stipulated that criteria that "no person should be appointed as Menteri Besar unless he is of the Malay race and professes the Muslim religion "; this clearly indicates that the 2 main requirements are for the candidate to be a Muslim and a Malay. There is no provision which disallows women from being given that job.

Therefore, denying Kajang assemblyman Dato’ Seri Wan Azizah the chance to be appointed as Menteri Besar simply because she is a woman is unconstitutional and against basic human rights. Worst still, making her gender and biological nature an excuse to discriminate against her is also biased and unacceptable.

Male chauvinists

I would like to remind those male chauvinists, including Harun, that without women and our born-biological nature (mentrual circle), mankind would be extinct and none of us would exist today. In fact, it is a special right and obligation entrusted to women by GOD because women are more resilient, enduring, loving and caring. Therefore, it should be much appreciated and respected by all, instead of being seen as an obstacle or an excuse to hinder women from moving forward.

Although I agree that we have to take into account the sensitivities and taboo of our various societies, but the responsibility of accompanying the Sultan to religious functions shouldn’t be an issue as it is a well-known fact that the Sultan of Selangor is very popular with his understanding spirit, open mindedness and “berjiwa rakyat”.

Of course Azizah can! She single-handedly led PKR when Anwar was in jail - what about you Seai Kie!

To be frank, the issue I am more concern with is if Wan Azizah is to be selected, is she ready and would she be able to lead Selangor to a better tomorrow? More importantly, would she be given a free hand to rule? Based on her previous track record, it is more probable that she will only serve as a puppet to be manipulated by PKR de facto chief and husband Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his own personal political agenda.

Datuk Heng Seai Kie is Wanita MCA National Chairman