AWAN Proposes Bill To Boost Women’s Participation In Elections

SHAH ALAM, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- The Women’s Wing of Parti Amanah Negara, Angkatan Wanita Amanah Nasional (AWAN), is working with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to draft a bill that would require political parties to nominate at least 30 per cent female candidates in elections.

Its chief, Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, said the proposal is being finalised with the NGOs before it is presented to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Women’s Affairs next Tuesday.

She said the initiative aims to strengthen an inclusive political environment and ensure women’s participation in the democratic process is supported by law, not just verbal commitments.

“We need more than just opportunities - we need a supportive system for women in politics. This bill will serve as a solid foundation to ensure their sustainable participation,” she told a press conference after officiating the AWAN National Convention, launched by Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar here today.

The convention, themed Wanita Negara Peneraju Perubahan: Memimpin Dengan Hikmah, Membina Masa Depan, was attended by about 700 delegates and observers from across the country.

Aiman Athirah, who is also the Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government, said the proposal not only sets a quota for female candidates but also includes incentives for political parties that meet the target.

She said Malaysia must move forward by introducing binding laws instead of relying on affirmative policies that have been in place for over 30 years but still fall short of the 30 per cent target for women in decision-making positions.

“Rwanda is a good example, with 60 per cent female representation achieved through firm legislation. Malaysia, after three decades of having a 30 per cent policy, has yet to reach that goal — showing the need for similar binding laws,” she said.

The Pakatan Harapan Women’s chief also announced a commitment to increase Amanah’s female candidates to 50 per cent in the next general election.

“In the last general election, Amanah fielded 26 per cent female candidates - the highest among parties in Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional,” she added.

-- BERNAMA