Think beyond gender roles, take risks, Pejuang Johor election candidate tells women

KLUANG – For working professional and mother of four Mahaya Ahad, 44, delving into the world of politics was not an easy decision as she was well aware that living the life of a public servant is very demanding.

However, Mahaya, who is standing as the candidate for the Permas state seat under the Pejuang ticket, said she wanted to do her part to contribute back to her community and country, a platform that she has been heavily campaigning on since the start of the state election.

Mahaya however, said there were not many women in Malaysian politics, much less so of influential figures in decision making positions, drawing an inference that professional women were not keen to waste their talents in politics.

Another reason, Mahaya pointed out to the possibility, was that many Malaysian women were still thinking that their gender could be an obstacle or a barrier to enter politics, which was not true.

“There are not many women who want to delve into politics now in Malaysia. There is only a handful of female figures in Malaysian politics because it demands full commitment, regardless of your background, especially now with so many challenges in life, not many women are keen to enter politics and carry the agenda of the party.

“They might be able to follow, but to carry it forward, to live a life of service to the people, not many can do it.

“It is not whether they can’t do it but they need to think beyond biases and not allow gender roles to become an issue or an obstacle.

Mahaya is one of the 37 women out of 239 total candidates in the Johor state election. Women candidates represent barely 15 per cent of the candidate pool.

For Pejuang, Mahaya is one of four women to stand in the state election while their youngest candidate, 27-year-old, Intan Nadira Shafika Mustafa Kamal @ Mohd Najib will be contesting for the Sungai Balang state seat.

In a male-dominated political world, Mahaya advised women who were keen, to join by learning to adapt appropriately and take more risks.

“When we keep thinking about gender, that we are women in a men’s world, we would always think about gender and there is nothing much you can do unless we open to the thinking that there is no difference in gender, we can adapt.

“I hope in the future, women are more open, are braver to delve into the political world and contribute back to the country by leading rather than just following,’’ she said.

However, Mahaya said her foray into politics would not be possible if she did not have a supportive family and husband.

“I'm grateful for my family and my husband who have been supportive and understanding of my political aspirations. I couldn't do it without them,’’ she said.