Pas open to field female candidates – Sanusi

TEMERLOH - Pas has not set any quotas for its Women's Wing (Dewan Muslimat) to be nominated in the upcoming 16th General Election (GE16).

Pas Election Director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said that the party is always open to having female candidates nominated in any election.

"We give the Women’s Wing open opportunities; there are no quotas. However, they need to have the capability and the opportunity. Pas is always open.

"Currently in Kedah, there are many female candidates. While other parties might have a 30 per cent quota, we provide all opportunities and even appoint them as state executive councillors," he said during a press conference after officiating the 64th Pas Women Wing assembly on Friday.

Sanusi, who is also the Kedah Menteri Besar clarified that the party's openness to promote female candidates did not violate Islamic law.

However, he noted that the suitability of a female candidate depended on the conditions and situation of the area concerned.

"The issue of Islamic law regarding female candidates is settled but suitability must be considered. If the area is physically unsuitable, other considerations must be taken into account.

"We look at intellectual capability and suitability of the location. For instance, in Sik (Kedah), which is larger than Perlis, although the population is small, there are many forested areas and movement is very restricted," he said.

Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of a female member from the Women's Wing being appointed as Menteri Besar if Pas successfully takes control of the state government, he said that it could be considered by the party leadership.

"But we need to win the election first. If the party appoints a woman as Menteri Besar, there’s no problem. The party needs to win first before such an appointment can be made," he added.