Election: Don’t limit seats based on gender

SHAH ALAM - All political parties must not limit seats in the Parliament and State Legislative Assembly to be filled by female or male candidates because it will hinder one’s desire to contest.

PKR Women's Legal Bureau chief Rabiatul Adawiyah Sulaiman said that some areas were considered 'women's seats' in the 15th General Election, namely in Ampang and Sepang Parliaments, and that should not have happened.

"This is because all the candidates competing in the area are women.

"But in the election, there is no criteria stating that the candidate (must) be male and female," he said.

She said this as a panel in the Sinar Wacana programme titled 66 Years of Independence: Where is the Political Power of Women hosted by Herleena Pahlavy.

Other panels who were involved included Kota Lama State Assembly Member Dr Hafidzah Mustakim; Muslimat Pas Strategic and Risk Management Director Wan Hasrina Wan Hassan and Bersatu Malaysia Women Youth chief Nurul Fadzilah Kamaluddin.

Commenting further, Rabiatul said the most disappointing fact was when the party could not fulfil its promise regarding the 30 per cent quota for women to contest in elections.

“There is indeed a decrease in terms of the percentage (of female candidates) and it is a fact that we have to accept.

"In the party itself, there is indeed such disappointment. It is not that we look the other way, but from a larger point of view and perspective regarding the election, it does not only cover the issue of female or male candidates.

"This is because we have a very unique demographic, not only speaking about gender but other differences that also need to be managed.

"For example, there are some areas that may want a Malay or other race candidate.

"The meaning of the consideration of the party leadership is diverse and too broad, so the decision is made taking into account the relevant factors for the sake of the party's victory," she said.