拨云见日(42)
揭露前朝弊端方兴未艾，人民愤怒尚未平息！怒火还在燃烧!
国阵成员党士气低落，内忧外患！
巫统过长的竞选期造成严重分裂！
全球经济萧条，裁员滚滚！
路仿佛越走越窄，三月即临，希望无“亮”？
在风雨飘摇中接棒，纳吉能做什么？
很多人认为他做不了什么！
也有很多人希望他能做些什么！
总之，要在下届大选前扭转乾坤，纳吉, 您要有：
卧薪尝胆，破釜沉舟的毅力！
个人不惜落马，也要变革的承诺！
带领国家走出经济阴霾的超人才华！
革除弊端，虽千万人吾往矣的勇气!
说服人民，重塑个人领导魅力的能力！
以民权代替族权的政治理念，对民、对党一视同仁，安内攘外的无上智慧！
路将越走越宽！希望重临人间！
从308大选前到308大选后的今天，国内劲爆新闻一宗接一宗，报道的忙得不可开交，读得也读得喘不过气来，连一向喜气洋洋的农历新年前后也少了喜气多了戾气！
从大年初三开始，古甘狱中死亡，家属与副部长“硬闯”沙登医院停尸房、议员跳槽、巫统霹雳州主席达祖罗斯里辞职，副首相将接任霹州巫统主席和“裁员滚滚”的新闻就迫不及待的陆续登场，今天还轮到了一名46岁的彭亨巫统马兰区部委员指责反贪委员会在关丹扣留他的4天期间，向他逼供并脱光殴打、霹雳州行政议员倪可汉在连行动党森州主席陆兆福都没听说过的情形下宣布有四至五名巫统州议员将在近期内跳槽民联和传说蔡细历也将在今年6月前跳槽等！
阿Q一点，反正经济萧条，心情苦闷，无需花钱进戏院，报上好戏连场，也好随高潮迭起的剧情时而义愤填膺，时而嗤之以鼻，时而感叹世道不景，时而迷惑沉思，不管心情因此而沉重或轻松，聊聊嚷嚷间时间经已流逝！那么到底什么才是人民的希望呢？是安华藉诱使国阵议员跳槽而夺取中央政权吗？是纳吉继任首相大刀阔斧带来改变吗？前者虽气势如虹，但藉跳槽执政毕竟法统不正！后者即将执政中央但内忧外患，除非法力无边，否则要在下一届大选前扭转乾坤谈何容易！
无论如何，尊敬的副首相纳吉，今天，我们要的是：
一位能承受任何压力的超人；
一位信念坚定的宗教家；
一位以民为本的政治家；
一位法力无边，能扭转乾坤的能人！因为我们希望看到的不只是政绩而是奇迹！
难为您了！但，只要理念清楚了，方向抓对了，我们将作您的后盾！民心也将回归！
周美芬
30/1/09
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Chew brings joy to old folk
The Star : Friday January 30, 2009
Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun was at the Seri Setia Old Folk’s Home in Sungai Way recently to hand over ang pows and goodies to the elderly residents in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.
The home’s 62 residents received ang pows totalling RM1,240 sponsored by Magnum Corporation Sdn Bhd.
“It’s noble for people to share the festive joy with the senior citizens especially during this economic downturn,” said Chew.
Time to share: Chew (standing left) and Magnum Corporation central regional manager Chan Chee Fai (standing middle) giving ang pows and bags of goodies to the senior citizens at Seri Setia Old Folk’s Home in Sungai Way, Selangor. Standing on the right is Seri Setia Old Folk’s Home sub-committee level vice-treasurer Hoh Chew Hong.
Magnum and its group of companies will be distributing over RM400,000 worth of ang pows, goodies and cash donations to 143 welfare and charitable homes throughout Malaysia.
A total of 7,800 inmates from old folk’s homes, orphanages and welfare organisations will be receiving the goodies.
Residents of the Seri Setia Old Folk’s Home also received free Chinese medical services by Sau Seng Lam volunteers.
Kuen Lock Association Sungai Way also donated RM1,000 to the Ping Rong-NFK Haemodialysis Centre.
Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun was at the Seri Setia Old Folk’s Home in Sungai Way recently to hand over ang pows and goodies to the elderly residents in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.
The home’s 62 residents received ang pows totalling RM1,240 sponsored by Magnum Corporation Sdn Bhd.
“It’s noble for people to share the festive joy with the senior citizens especially during this economic downturn,” said Chew.
Time to share: Chew (standing left) and Magnum Corporation central regional manager Chan Chee Fai (standing middle) giving ang pows and bags of goodies to the senior citizens at Seri Setia Old Folk’s Home in Sungai Way, Selangor. Standing on the right is Seri Setia Old Folk’s Home sub-committee level vice-treasurer Hoh Chew Hong.
Magnum and its group of companies will be distributing over RM400,000 worth of ang pows, goodies and cash donations to 143 welfare and charitable homes throughout Malaysia.
A total of 7,800 inmates from old folk’s homes, orphanages and welfare organisations will be receiving the goodies.
Residents of the Seri Setia Old Folk’s Home also received free Chinese medical services by Sau Seng Lam volunteers.
Kuen Lock Association Sungai Way also donated RM1,000 to the Ping Rong-NFK Haemodialysis Centre.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
周美芬随团前往北京进行6天访问
為馬中企業締造新契機‧翁詩傑將晤中共領導人
（中國‧北京）馬華總會長拿督斯里翁詩傑率領67人政商代表團於週日（1月18日）抵達中國北京，正式展開6天訪問。
（中國‧北京）馬華總會長拿督斯里翁詩傑率領67人政商代表團於週日（1月18日）抵達中國北京，正式展開6天訪問。
分享治國理念拓新機
在配合馬中建交35週年，翁詩傑親自率領多名馬華領袖與知名殷商前往北京拜訪中國的政商名流，分享治國方針與理念，為兩國商企締造新契機。這次訪問將拜會中共中央對外聯絡部部長王家瑞，同時也將會見中共中央領導。
在這次訪華行程中，将訪問交通部，中糧集團、商務部、聯道部、衛生部、教育部及國家旅遊局。
商開拓雙邊商貿合作
這次隨團的多名殷商也將進一步洽談與中方的合作項目，開拓雙邊的商貿合作與加強聯繫。
全球經濟放緩，各國都開始感受到經濟的寒冬，就像北京現在冷得打哆嗦的天氣。在馬來西亞，經濟是華社向來非常重要的領域，馬華之前也提出了3大拼經濟措施，其中一項便是招商引資，並身體力行組團訪華。馬華非常重視這次訪問團，翁詩傑在晚上抵達北京後，也於晚上10時30分跟馬華領袖召開長達45分鐘的訪前會議。不少隨團殷商與商界代表，也希望通過馬華的黨團外交與人脈網絡，進一步洽談與敲定與中方合作項目。
全球經濟放緩，各國都開始感受到經濟的寒冬，就像北京現在冷得打哆嗦的天氣。在馬來西亞，經濟是華社向來非常重要的領域，馬華之前也提出了3大拼經濟措施，其中一項便是招商引資，並身體力行組團訪華。馬華非常重視這次訪問團，翁詩傑在晚上抵達北京後，也於晚上10時30分跟馬華領袖召開長達45分鐘的訪前會議。不少隨團殷商與商界代表，也希望通過馬華的黨團外交與人脈網絡，進一步洽談與敲定與中方合作項目。
據瞭解，亞航一直遲遲未落實的直飛天津航線，也希望在這次訪問中取得進展；此外，著名企業家丹斯里賽莫達也可能跟中方進行教育合作項目。
除了馬華領袖與商界代表之外，這次隨團採訪的媒體記者也不少，約10家電子與平面媒體代表及記者。在亞航安排下，我們代表團是乘坐AK348亞航包機赴北京，這相信是亞航首次直飛北京。
6天訪問行程都安排得緊湊，許多節目尤其訪問部門、跟中共領導人會面等，都是閉門或只限受邀者出席，保安嚴密。。
除了馬華領袖與商界代表之外，這次隨團採訪的媒體記者也不少，約10家電子與平面媒體代表及記者。在亞航安排下，我們代表團是乘坐AK348亞航包機赴北京，這相信是亞航首次直飛北京。
6天訪問行程都安排得緊湊，許多節目尤其訪問部門、跟中共領導人會面等，都是閉門或只限受邀者出席，保安嚴密。。
訪華政商代表團主要名單：
馬華領袖
總會長兼交通部長翁詩傑、總秘書兼上議院副議長拿督王茀明、副總會長兼財财政部副部長拿督江作漢、副總會長兼衛生部長拿督廖中萊、副總會長兼柔州行政議員陳國煌、馬青總團長兼教育部副部長拿督魏家祥、婦女組主席拿汀巴都卡周美芬、總財政丹斯里鄭福成、組織秘書長姚偉豪、副總秘書拿督陸垠佑、副總財政兼沙巴州首席部長署副部長拿督丘克海、副組織秘書長顏豐守 、新聞局主任李偉傑、華團歷史研究促進會主任兼高教部副部長何國忠、政治教育局主任顏炳壽、公共服務及投訴局主任王乃志
商界領袖
Albukhary基金丹斯里賽莫達、前財政部長敦達因、多美集團執行主席丹斯里吳德芳、泛亞集團拿督林曉春、Hirotako控股集團總經理拿督關炳順、CNI集團執行主席拿督高程祖、INS國際控股集團首席執行長拿督葉紹全、英迪控股公司首席執行長陳友信、雙威集團總裁拿督周志堅、雙威集團董事經理拿督陳嘉祿、巴生港務局總經理林添祥、Biosience Capital有限公司主席拿督慕拉李、JV（馬）有限公司執行主席拿督鄧晉華、Duta Land有限公司董事經理拿督葉永松、董事潘程銘、成功集團環保私人有限公司董事經理卓潤德、成功集團基本建設私人有限公司首席執行長羅華泉、Nexbis有限公司主席拿督斯里佐翰楊、Mediharta有限公司執行董事拿督阿林安達、
Green Packet有限公司集團首席執行長潘振祥、RB生物科技有限公司董事經理陳兆俊、亞航董事范利宜、首席執行長阿茲蘭奧斯曼、亞航執行副總裁陳凱霖、檳州港務局主席陳清涼.
Monday, January 19, 2009
納茲里警告國陣議員‧歧視女性者大選除名
納茲里（左3）接領“性別歧視評論聯合備忘錄”後，與馬華婦女組領導層向華社拜個早年。左起：中委江雪霞，周美芬；右起：副主席沈清玉、副主席曾亞英、王賽芝及署理主席尤綽韜。（圖：星洲日報）
他認為，國陣寧願犧牲這些歧視女性的議員，好過這些議員在大選中落敗。
納茲里週四（1月15日）接領由馬華婦女組和非政府組織提呈的“性別歧視評論聯合備忘錄”後說，他100%贊同婦女組在備忘錄中提出的建議，同時認同國會議員不應在國會參與辯論時，發表歧視或侮辱女性的言論。共有12個非政府組織代表出席此活動。
建議修改國會常規
他說，他將在下週會見下議院議長丹斯里班迪卡時，向後者反映大馬婦女不滿議員口出侮辱女性的言論，和建議修改國會議會常規，以嚴懲有關人士。
詢及國會大概需花多少時間通過修改有關議會常規，納茲里表示，一旦國會復會後，遴選委員會會開會，然後在議事廳內提修改議會常規動議。
此外，他保證，他將會提醒副首相兼國會國陣黨鞭拿督斯里納吉，在每次的國會會前匯報會上，提醒國陣後座議員不要發表侮辱女性的言論。國會下議院將在2月16日復會。
周美芬：密切監督直至建議落實
馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬表示，婦女組將會密切監督和關注此事，直至她們的建議落實為止。
納茲里警告勿發表歧視女性言論
首相署部長拿督斯里納茲里警告國陣國會議員不要發表歧視或侮辱女性的言論，若重犯，可能無法在下屆大選上陣。（圖：星洲日報）
他認為，國陣寧願犧牲這些歧視女性的議員，好過這些議員在大選中落敗。
納茲里今日（週四，1月15日）接領由馬華婦女組和非政府組織提呈的“性別歧視評論聯合備忘錄”後說，他100%認同國會議員不應在國會參與辯論時，發表歧視或侮辱女性的言論。
他說，他將在下週會見下議院議長丹斯里班迪卡時，向後者反映大馬婦女不滿議員口出侮辱女性的言論，和建議修改國會議會常規，以嚴懲有關人士。
“我會傳達婦女組的建議給議長，相信議長和國陣議員會給予支持。要修改國會議會常規，需通過國會遴選委員會先開會討論決定，議長是委員會的主席，相信他會在2月國會復會後針對此事召開會議。”
Sexist BN reps will be dropped
Teh Star OnLine news:
Friday January 16, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional elected representatives, particularly those from Umno, who utter sexist remarks and behave in an unparliamentary manner, will be “sacrificed” in the next general election.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the party did not want to lose in the next polls.
“I will remind our Whip to issue the reminder to all our representatives,” he said after accepting a memorandum from Wanita MCA at Parliament House yesterday.
Nazri said he would pursue the matter with both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara Speakers next week.
“I hope that members of the Parliamentary Select Committee will also file a motion to discuss this,” he said.
Wanita Chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said it wanted an amendment to the Parliamentary Standing Orders and other corresponding rules in the state assemblies by including a prohibition against these remarks and behaviour as well as to suspend those uttering such statements without pay.
“MCA MPs and state assemblymen will stand up and object strongly if such sexist remarks were made in the House,” she said.
Among others, the memorandum called for the suspension of between two and six months without pay or allowances for elected members who fail to adhere to the prohibition, with heavier penalties for repeat offenders, and compulsory orientation and gender sensitive courses.
Speakers will also be tasked to issue a stern warning against these remarks and behaviour at the beginning of each session.
The memorandum was supported by 12 NGOs.
Friday January 16, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional elected representatives, particularly those from Umno, who utter sexist remarks and behave in an unparliamentary manner, will be “sacrificed” in the next general election.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the party did not want to lose in the next polls.
“I will remind our Whip to issue the reminder to all our representatives,” he said after accepting a memorandum from Wanita MCA at Parliament House yesterday.
Nazri said he would pursue the matter with both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara Speakers next week.
“I hope that members of the Parliamentary Select Committee will also file a motion to discuss this,” he said.
Wanita Chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said it wanted an amendment to the Parliamentary Standing Orders and other corresponding rules in the state assemblies by including a prohibition against these remarks and behaviour as well as to suspend those uttering such statements without pay.
“MCA MPs and state assemblymen will stand up and object strongly if such sexist remarks were made in the House,” she said.
Among others, the memorandum called for the suspension of between two and six months without pay or allowances for elected members who fail to adhere to the prohibition, with heavier penalties for repeat offenders, and compulsory orientation and gender sensitive courses.
Speakers will also be tasked to issue a stern warning against these remarks and behaviour at the beginning of each session.
The memorandum was supported by 12 NGOs.
The Star On Line : MCA Wanita to expand aid services
More aid centres soon
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA is planning to expand its women and children’s aid services throughout the country after the programme’s success in Selangor.
KUALA LUMPUR: MCA is planning to expand its women and children’s aid services throughout the country after the programme’s success in Selangor.
“The aid services programme, provided by 16 MCA divisions in Selangor, is effective and now we want to expand it nationwide,” Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said.
She said there were also plans to set up an aid centre to provide training to women, especially single mothers.
The centre would also act “as a bridge” to connect the women to corporate companies that were willing to employ them while offering flexible working hours.
“They have to be able to watch over their children and run the household as well, so it is important that they have flexible hours,” she said.
Chew was speaking to reporters after party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat presented about 200 single-parent families with hampers and other Chinese New Year goodies at Berjaya Times Square here yesterday.
Ong said the caring and sensitive culture of the party in giving out aid to the needy was not enough to alleviate their plight.
“With the help of the MCA and corporate citizens, we need to focus on ways to instil self-confidence in single mothers so that they can be independent,” he said.
News 1:58 mins
Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun says there are plans to set up a Women and Children's Aid Centre to provide training to women, especially single mothers. Please view:
http://thestaronline.tv/v/2712
Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun says there are plans to set up a Women and Children's Aid Centre to provide training to women, especially single mothers. Please view:
http://thestaronline.tv/v/2712
Saturday, January 17, 2009
再回头已是百年身
拨云见日（41）
瓜登补选进入倒数阶段，鹿死谁手即将揭晓！无论结果如何，都将传达某种值得让国阵与民联思考的讯息！
从瓜登最近的发展看来，印证了一个事实，就是在政治上必须要不断的有新的课题才能激起关注，老课题无论多么重要，因为讲多了，即便演讲者讲得手舞足蹈,口沫横飞都无法再激起台下观众的兴趣！
昨晚看电视新闻,新闻播报员说，在问到回教刑事法的课题时，民联的三大巨头都顾左右而言他，安华甚至说这个问题应该由巫统来回答，显然三党在这个课题上的不协调已对民联造成了一定的压力，他们选择的回应方式是转移视线，是安抚人民，他们说人民已不再担心回教刑事法因为回教刑事法只适用于回教徒。
然而任何了解国内实况的人民都知道，回教刑事法一旦实施，它是不可能只牵涉回教徒的，因为大家同处在一个社会，一个国度，罪犯和受害者很多时候可能同时涉及回教徒与非回教徒。以性暴力事件为例，万一受害者是非回教徒而罪犯是回教徒的话，需要四个证人的回教刑事法将叫受害的非回教徒情何以堪？反之，如果罪犯是非回教徒而受害者是回教徒的话，那案件应在那里审呢？是不是也要有四个证人呢？
让人百思不得其解的是，难道有人会在众目睽睽之下(三为众，而四名证人固然为众，可以同时见证，因此足称“众目睽睽”) 进行性暴力？ 而看着他人被性侵犯而视若无睹，还可以当证人者，这种证人的道德价值何在？公信力何在？按道理，还得一起惩罚，因为目睹而不阻止等于共犯！
不说其他，单看目前国内发生的许多牵涉回教徒与非回教徒的婚姻问题处理法已引起了许多的争论和社会问题，回教刑事法涉及了更严厉的刑罚，其影响之深远绝非课题老旧那么简单，而是不论多老多旧都值得重视，无论何时何刻都必须鲜明表达立场的问题，因为稍一放松，万一落实，再回头已是百年身了！
周美芬
16/1/09
瓜登补选进入倒数阶段，鹿死谁手即将揭晓！无论结果如何，都将传达某种值得让国阵与民联思考的讯息！
从瓜登最近的发展看来，印证了一个事实，就是在政治上必须要不断的有新的课题才能激起关注，老课题无论多么重要，因为讲多了，即便演讲者讲得手舞足蹈,口沫横飞都无法再激起台下观众的兴趣！
昨晚看电视新闻,新闻播报员说，在问到回教刑事法的课题时，民联的三大巨头都顾左右而言他，安华甚至说这个问题应该由巫统来回答，显然三党在这个课题上的不协调已对民联造成了一定的压力，他们选择的回应方式是转移视线，是安抚人民，他们说人民已不再担心回教刑事法因为回教刑事法只适用于回教徒。
然而任何了解国内实况的人民都知道，回教刑事法一旦实施，它是不可能只牵涉回教徒的，因为大家同处在一个社会，一个国度，罪犯和受害者很多时候可能同时涉及回教徒与非回教徒。以性暴力事件为例，万一受害者是非回教徒而罪犯是回教徒的话，需要四个证人的回教刑事法将叫受害的非回教徒情何以堪？反之，如果罪犯是非回教徒而受害者是回教徒的话，那案件应在那里审呢？是不是也要有四个证人呢？
让人百思不得其解的是，难道有人会在众目睽睽之下(三为众，而四名证人固然为众，可以同时见证，因此足称“众目睽睽”) 进行性暴力？ 而看着他人被性侵犯而视若无睹，还可以当证人者，这种证人的道德价值何在？公信力何在？按道理，还得一起惩罚，因为目睹而不阻止等于共犯！
不说其他，单看目前国内发生的许多牵涉回教徒与非回教徒的婚姻问题处理法已引起了许多的争论和社会问题，回教刑事法涉及了更严厉的刑罚，其影响之深远绝非课题老旧那么简单，而是不论多老多旧都值得重视，无论何时何刻都必须鲜明表达立场的问题，因为稍一放松，万一落实，再回头已是百年身了！
周美芬
16/1/09
Friday, January 16, 2009
MEMORANDUM - PROMOTING RESPECT FOR WOMEN
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MEMORANDUM
PROMOTING RESPECT FOR WOMEN
TO UPHOLD GENDER EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
IN PARLIAMENT AND STATE ASSEMBLIES
Submitted by:Wanita MCA And other women organizations
Contact Details: Wanita MCA, 7th Floor, Wisma MCA, 163 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala LumpurTel : 03-2161 8044 Fax: 03-2161 8211
Date: 15 January 2009
MEMORANDUM PROMOTING RESPECT FOR WOMEN
TO UPHOLD GENDER EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION IN PARLIAMENT AND STATE ASSEMBLIES (SA)
I. INTRODUCTION
This memorandum is submitted by MCA Wanita and other women organisations.
We call for stern actions to be meted out against sexist elected representatives both in the Parliament and the State Assemblies and positive measures to create gender sensitivity amongst legislators to promote respect for women and to uphold gender equality and non-discrimination in the Parliament and State Assemblies.
We share a common vision of upholding the principle of substantive gender equality and non-discrimination on the basis of gender through the promotion of women’s human rights. We note with grave concern that the occurrences of sexist, derogatory and gender-insensitive remarks uttered by elected representatives continue to persist. We are concerned that such high level of tolerance against sexism and gender discrimination in the Parliament and State Assemblies is greatly attributed to the lack of or inadequacy of policies or guidelines governing decorum of elected representatives, whether in their substance (existence of such clause prohibiting any forms of gender discrimination), structures (interpretation and application) and cultural element (beliefs and prejudices perpetuating sexism and gender discrimination in the Parliament and State Assemblies).
We have been monitoring sexist behaviour of elected representatives and in particular the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) comprising women’s rights groups have been monitoring closely the debates in Parliament since the late 1990s. Until now, no Member of Parliament or State Assemblies who made sexist and discriminatory remarks has been punished by the august House.
Firstly, sexist and offensive language used by members of the highest legislative body in the country reflects blatant disrespect to women and disregard for the decorum of the august House. Secondly, the lack of sanctions or rather the absence of some form of punitive measures seemingly condones sexist behaviour of elected members in the Parliament and State Assemblies in particular and in general that sexist remarks towards women are acceptable. This is further compounded by the support by other elected members or state office bearers either in defense (active support) or silence (passive support) towards sexist behavior of elected members which reinforces discrimination against women. Support whether actively or passively by other elected members or society in general contributes to the creation of an enabling condition conducive for discrimination against women resulting in unjust and unfair treatment towards elected women representatives and also women in general.
We would like to remind that Malaysia has made several commitments which uphold the principle of gender equality and non-discrimination on the basis of gender. At the national level, amendment to Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution which prohibits any forms of discrimination against any person on the basis of gender is a clear testament to promoting gender equality locally. At the global front, Malaysia, a signatory to the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) since 1995, has an obligation to uphold principle of gender equality and non-discrimination on the basis of gender.
As such, the sexist and discriminatory remarks made by anyone including legislators of the Parliament and State Assemblies are unconstitutional1 contravening Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution. Given that elected representatives were voted in to represent all sections of society, such sexist behavior of some elected representatives in both the Parliament and State Assemblies in effect undermines the government’s commitment both at the national and international levels in promoting gender equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of gender.
II. RECOMMENDATION
We reiterate numerous calls made by various groups and individuals who are committed towards ending sexism and gender bias and discrimination at all levels, in urging and demanding that the Minister in the Prime Minister department in-charge of Parliamentarian affairs, Upper and Lower House Speakers, all elected representative in both the Parliament and State Assemblies to view sexism and gender discrimination seriously and to take immediate measures to end sexism and gender discrimination in the Parliament and State Assemblies.
We propose that the Parliament and State Assemblies adopt the following measures to address sexist and unparliamentarily behavior of elected representatives:
PROMOTING RESPECT FOR WOMEN
TO UPHOLD GENDER EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
IN PARLIAMENT AND STATE ASSEMBLIES
Submitted by:Wanita MCA And other women organizations
Contact Details: Wanita MCA, 7th Floor, Wisma MCA, 163 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala LumpurTel : 03-2161 8044 Fax: 03-2161 8211
Date: 15 January 2009
MEMORANDUM PROMOTING RESPECT FOR WOMEN
TO UPHOLD GENDER EQUALITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION IN PARLIAMENT AND STATE ASSEMBLIES (SA)
I. INTRODUCTION
This memorandum is submitted by MCA Wanita and other women organisations.
We call for stern actions to be meted out against sexist elected representatives both in the Parliament and the State Assemblies and positive measures to create gender sensitivity amongst legislators to promote respect for women and to uphold gender equality and non-discrimination in the Parliament and State Assemblies.
We share a common vision of upholding the principle of substantive gender equality and non-discrimination on the basis of gender through the promotion of women’s human rights. We note with grave concern that the occurrences of sexist, derogatory and gender-insensitive remarks uttered by elected representatives continue to persist. We are concerned that such high level of tolerance against sexism and gender discrimination in the Parliament and State Assemblies is greatly attributed to the lack of or inadequacy of policies or guidelines governing decorum of elected representatives, whether in their substance (existence of such clause prohibiting any forms of gender discrimination), structures (interpretation and application) and cultural element (beliefs and prejudices perpetuating sexism and gender discrimination in the Parliament and State Assemblies).
We have been monitoring sexist behaviour of elected representatives and in particular the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) comprising women’s rights groups have been monitoring closely the debates in Parliament since the late 1990s. Until now, no Member of Parliament or State Assemblies who made sexist and discriminatory remarks has been punished by the august House.
Firstly, sexist and offensive language used by members of the highest legislative body in the country reflects blatant disrespect to women and disregard for the decorum of the august House. Secondly, the lack of sanctions or rather the absence of some form of punitive measures seemingly condones sexist behaviour of elected members in the Parliament and State Assemblies in particular and in general that sexist remarks towards women are acceptable. This is further compounded by the support by other elected members or state office bearers either in defense (active support) or silence (passive support) towards sexist behavior of elected members which reinforces discrimination against women. Support whether actively or passively by other elected members or society in general contributes to the creation of an enabling condition conducive for discrimination against women resulting in unjust and unfair treatment towards elected women representatives and also women in general.
We would like to remind that Malaysia has made several commitments which uphold the principle of gender equality and non-discrimination on the basis of gender. At the national level, amendment to Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution which prohibits any forms of discrimination against any person on the basis of gender is a clear testament to promoting gender equality locally. At the global front, Malaysia, a signatory to the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) since 1995, has an obligation to uphold principle of gender equality and non-discrimination on the basis of gender.
As such, the sexist and discriminatory remarks made by anyone including legislators of the Parliament and State Assemblies are unconstitutional1 contravening Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution. Given that elected representatives were voted in to represent all sections of society, such sexist behavior of some elected representatives in both the Parliament and State Assemblies in effect undermines the government’s commitment both at the national and international levels in promoting gender equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of gender.
II. RECOMMENDATION
We reiterate numerous calls made by various groups and individuals who are committed towards ending sexism and gender bias and discrimination at all levels, in urging and demanding that the Minister in the Prime Minister department in-charge of Parliamentarian affairs, Upper and Lower House Speakers, all elected representative in both the Parliament and State Assemblies to view sexism and gender discrimination seriously and to take immediate measures to end sexism and gender discrimination in the Parliament and State Assemblies.
We propose that the Parliament and State Assemblies adopt the following measures to address sexist and unparliamentarily behavior of elected representatives:
Punitive Measures against sexist elected representatives in the Parliament and State Assemblies
a) Amend Section 36(6) (b) of Parliamentary Standing Order/ corresponding sections in respective State Assembly Standing Orders
To amend Section 36(6)(b) of the Standing Order of the Parliament and corresponding sections in respective State Assembly Standing Orders to include prohibition of sexist and abusive remarks and/ or behavior to any other member of the House. And failure in adhering to this Order shall result in suspension between two to six months without allowances (or any other order deemed appropriate).4
b) Implement Code of Ethics (for members of Parliament and State Assemblies)
To implement a set of Code of Ethics of the Parliament and State Assemblies which include prohibition of sexist and discriminatory remark/ behavior towards another member of the House. To encourage elected members to adhere by the Code of Ethics in addition to Standing Orders.
Penalty: suspension or cut in allowances.
c) Heavier Penalty on Repeat Offenders
To impose a heavier penalty on elected representatives who utter sexist remarks and/ or behave in a discriminatory manner on the basis of gender.
Positive Measures to cultivate sensitivity of all elected members in the Parliament and State Assemblies
a) Orientation for all elected representatives
To conduct orientation for all elected representatives including women to familiarize them on Standing Orders and Code of Ethics which are intolerant against sexist remarks and/or behaviors of elected representatives.
b) Compulsory Gender Sensitivity Courses for all elected members in Parliament and State Assemblies
To conduct regular gender awareness training for all elected members to inculcate gender sensitivity on mannerism in the august House, thus refraining from making sexist and derogatory remarks and also to have a gender perspective on bills and laws which they legislate.5
Note: Recently in December 2008, our Parliamentarian representative attended the Inter-parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) meeting in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and consensus was reached by AIPA members to conduct orientation for their respective Parliamentarian to enhance professional proficiency.
c) Stern warning at the beginning of each session on the prohibition of any sexist language/ behavior
Speakers of the Parliament and State Assemblies to remind elected members to observe decorum and that sexist and derogatory remarks are intolerable and punishable under amended Standing Orders and Code of Ethics which include prohibition sexist and discriminatory remark/ behavior towards another member of the House.
With this memorandum, we hope that the government would look into this matter seriously and have the political will to take necessary action to uphold the principle of gender equality and non-discrimination as enshrined in Article 8 of our Federal Constitution.
Speakers of the Parliament and State Assemblies to remind elected members to observe decorum and that sexist and derogatory remarks are intolerable and punishable under amended Standing Orders and Code of Ethics which include prohibition sexist and discriminatory remark/ behavior towards another member of the House.
With this memorandum, we hope that the government would look into this matter seriously and have the political will to take necessary action to uphold the principle of gender equality and non-discrimination as enshrined in Article 8 of our Federal Constitution.
备忘录 - 在国会及州议会贯彻两性平等与消除歧视
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备忘录
提升对女性的尊重
在国会及州议会贯彻两性平等与消除歧视
I. 前言
此份备忘录由马华妇女组及其它妇女组织提呈。
我们呼吁对那些在言行举止上表现性别歧视的人民代议士采取严厉行动，并通过积极措施提升立法者的性别敏感度，以在国会和州议会提升对女性的尊重，贯彻两性平等与消除歧视。
希望通过加强女性人权，以实质性的贯彻两性平等原则及消除两性间的歧视，是我们共同的愿景。我们对民选议员多次发表男性至上、带有性别歧视、贬低含义以及对性别问题敏感度不足的种种言行，表示深切的关注。我们非常关注国会及州议会姑息男性至上主义及性别歧视的现象。这种现象归因于缺乏用于管制议员操守的条文和指南，无论是实质上的（指禁止任何形式的性别歧视的条款）、结构上的（指诠释与应用）或文化元素上的（指国会和州议会内一直存在的男性至上主义和性别歧视的思维或偏见）。
我们和其它妇女组织，尤其是“性别平等联合行动小组”（Joint Action Group for Gender Equality）自1990年代以来一直紧密监督民选议员在国会涉及性别歧视的辩论。至目前为止，没有任何一位曾发表性别歧视言论的国会或州议会成员，受到议会的对付。
首先，国家最高立法机构成员使用带有性别歧视及侵犯性的语言，反映了他们对女性的粗俗无礼以及对议会操守的藐视。其次，缺乏适当的制裁条规与措施，已经纵容了民选议员在国会和州议会里的男性至上主义言行，同时造成针对女性的歧视言行被人们认为是可以接受的。
这种现象随后又因为得到其他议员或相关官员的支持，无论是维护（积极式支持）或默许（消极式支持）有关议员的性别主义言行，而使针对女性的歧视变本加厉。来自其他同僚以及社会或积极或消极的支持，无疑是促成歧视女性环境的主要原因，导致女议员和女性遭受不公平、不平等对待。
我们必须提醒的是，马来西亚已经为贯彻两性平等及消除性别歧视而做了几项承诺。在国内阶段，联邦宪法第8（2）条文的修改，即禁止针对任何人基于性别的任何形式的歧视，就是一项在本地贯彻两性平等的清楚声明。在国际阶段，马来西亚自1995年开始作为“消除所有形式的女性歧视大会”（Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, CEDAW）的签署人，我们必须落实两性平等及消除性别歧视的精神。
因此，任何人士，包括所有国会和州议会立法议员所发表的性别歧视言论，都是与联邦宪法第8（2）条文有所抵触。有鉴于民选议员是票选产生，他们代表全体人民，因此部分民选议员在国会和州议会的性别歧视言行，已经破坏了政府提升性别平等及消除性别歧视的承诺。
II. 建议
我们综合了各组织及个人对在社会各阶层消除性别歧视与偏见所作出的诉求之后，我们促请首相署负责国会事务的部长、上下议院议长、国会与州议会民选代议士，应该严正看待性别歧视问题，并采取措施以全面消除国会和州议会中的性别歧视。
我们建议国会与州议会采取以下措施来对付在言行上表现性别歧视的民选议员：
对在言行上表现性别歧视的国州议员之惩罚
a) 修改国会议事程序条例（parliamentary standing order）第36(6)(b)节/或相关州议会的议事程序条例
修改国会议事程序条例（parliamentary standing order）第36(6)(b)节/或相关州议会的议事程序条例，加入禁止对其他议员发表性别歧视以及辱骂性言论。违背此条例者，将被处以2至6个月的无薪或停职处分。（或任何其他适当的处分）
b) 重新检讨道德规范条例（Code of Ethics）（国会与州议会）
重新检讨国会及州议会的道德规范条例，包括禁止对其他议会议员发表性别歧视以及辱骂性言行。此外，鼓励议员同时遵守道德规范条例与国会议事程序条例。
处罚：停职/削减津贴处分
c) 对重犯或惯犯者施以更重的刑罚
对习惯性发表或作出性别侮辱及歧视言行的民选议员施以更重的惩罚。
提升国会与州议会议员对两性问题敏感度的措施
a) 对议员进行议会导航课程
为中选的人民代议士，包括女性议员举办议会导航课程，让他们熟悉了解不容许性别侮辱及歧视言行的国会议事程序条例及道德规范条例。
b) 规定国会与州议会的民选议员参加性别敏感课程
定期举行性别醒觉课程与训练，以提高议员的性别敏感度。有关课程能让议员避免男性至上、贬损他人的性别歧视言行。同时，此课程亦让议员们在立法时能够纳入更多的两性观点。
注：2008年12月份，我国一些国会代表出席在胡志明市举行的亚洲国会议员大会（AIPA），出席的会员们一致同意将在各国的国会开办议员导航课程，以加强人民代议士的专业素质与水平。
c) 在每季会议开始时向议员们发出禁止性别歧视言行的严厉警告
国会与州议会议长必须提醒议员们礼貌发言，并指出国会与州议会的国会议事程序条例和道德规范条例都不容许任何性别歧视以及辱骂性言行，包括禁止对其他议员进行言语上和行为上的歧视与辱骂。
通过此备忘录，我们希望政府严正看待性别歧视课题，并拥有足够的政治意愿采取必要的行动，以贯彻联邦宪法第8（2）条文所阐明的两性平等及消除歧视之原则。
提升对女性的尊重
在国会及州议会贯彻两性平等与消除歧视
I. 前言
此份备忘录由马华妇女组及其它妇女组织提呈。
我们呼吁对那些在言行举止上表现性别歧视的人民代议士采取严厉行动，并通过积极措施提升立法者的性别敏感度，以在国会和州议会提升对女性的尊重，贯彻两性平等与消除歧视。
希望通过加强女性人权，以实质性的贯彻两性平等原则及消除两性间的歧视，是我们共同的愿景。我们对民选议员多次发表男性至上、带有性别歧视、贬低含义以及对性别问题敏感度不足的种种言行，表示深切的关注。我们非常关注国会及州议会姑息男性至上主义及性别歧视的现象。这种现象归因于缺乏用于管制议员操守的条文和指南，无论是实质上的（指禁止任何形式的性别歧视的条款）、结构上的（指诠释与应用）或文化元素上的（指国会和州议会内一直存在的男性至上主义和性别歧视的思维或偏见）。
我们和其它妇女组织，尤其是“性别平等联合行动小组”（Joint Action Group for Gender Equality）自1990年代以来一直紧密监督民选议员在国会涉及性别歧视的辩论。至目前为止，没有任何一位曾发表性别歧视言论的国会或州议会成员，受到议会的对付。
首先，国家最高立法机构成员使用带有性别歧视及侵犯性的语言，反映了他们对女性的粗俗无礼以及对议会操守的藐视。其次，缺乏适当的制裁条规与措施，已经纵容了民选议员在国会和州议会里的男性至上主义言行，同时造成针对女性的歧视言行被人们认为是可以接受的。
这种现象随后又因为得到其他议员或相关官员的支持，无论是维护（积极式支持）或默许（消极式支持）有关议员的性别主义言行，而使针对女性的歧视变本加厉。来自其他同僚以及社会或积极或消极的支持，无疑是促成歧视女性环境的主要原因，导致女议员和女性遭受不公平、不平等对待。
我们必须提醒的是，马来西亚已经为贯彻两性平等及消除性别歧视而做了几项承诺。在国内阶段，联邦宪法第8（2）条文的修改，即禁止针对任何人基于性别的任何形式的歧视，就是一项在本地贯彻两性平等的清楚声明。在国际阶段，马来西亚自1995年开始作为“消除所有形式的女性歧视大会”（Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, CEDAW）的签署人，我们必须落实两性平等及消除性别歧视的精神。
因此，任何人士，包括所有国会和州议会立法议员所发表的性别歧视言论，都是与联邦宪法第8（2）条文有所抵触。有鉴于民选议员是票选产生，他们代表全体人民，因此部分民选议员在国会和州议会的性别歧视言行，已经破坏了政府提升性别平等及消除性别歧视的承诺。
II. 建议
我们综合了各组织及个人对在社会各阶层消除性别歧视与偏见所作出的诉求之后，我们促请首相署负责国会事务的部长、上下议院议长、国会与州议会民选代议士，应该严正看待性别歧视问题，并采取措施以全面消除国会和州议会中的性别歧视。
我们建议国会与州议会采取以下措施来对付在言行上表现性别歧视的民选议员：
对在言行上表现性别歧视的国州议员之惩罚
a) 修改国会议事程序条例（parliamentary standing order）第36(6)(b)节/或相关州议会的议事程序条例
修改国会议事程序条例（parliamentary standing order）第36(6)(b)节/或相关州议会的议事程序条例，加入禁止对其他议员发表性别歧视以及辱骂性言论。违背此条例者，将被处以2至6个月的无薪或停职处分。（或任何其他适当的处分）
b) 重新检讨道德规范条例（Code of Ethics）（国会与州议会）
重新检讨国会及州议会的道德规范条例，包括禁止对其他议会议员发表性别歧视以及辱骂性言行。此外，鼓励议员同时遵守道德规范条例与国会议事程序条例。
处罚：停职/削减津贴处分
c) 对重犯或惯犯者施以更重的刑罚
对习惯性发表或作出性别侮辱及歧视言行的民选议员施以更重的惩罚。
提升国会与州议会议员对两性问题敏感度的措施
a) 对议员进行议会导航课程
为中选的人民代议士，包括女性议员举办议会导航课程，让他们熟悉了解不容许性别侮辱及歧视言行的国会议事程序条例及道德规范条例。
b) 规定国会与州议会的民选议员参加性别敏感课程
定期举行性别醒觉课程与训练，以提高议员的性别敏感度。有关课程能让议员避免男性至上、贬损他人的性别歧视言行。同时，此课程亦让议员们在立法时能够纳入更多的两性观点。
注：2008年12月份，我国一些国会代表出席在胡志明市举行的亚洲国会议员大会（AIPA），出席的会员们一致同意将在各国的国会开办议员导航课程，以加强人民代议士的专业素质与水平。
c) 在每季会议开始时向议员们发出禁止性别歧视言行的严厉警告
国会与州议会议长必须提醒议员们礼貌发言，并指出国会与州议会的国会议事程序条例和道德规范条例都不容许任何性别歧视以及辱骂性言行，包括禁止对其他议员进行言语上和行为上的歧视与辱骂。
通过此备忘录，我们希望政府严正看待性别歧视课题，并拥有足够的政治意愿采取必要的行动，以贯彻联邦宪法第8（2）条文所阐明的两性平等及消除歧视之原则。
Monday, January 12, 2009
韓視論壇婦女覺醒運動
左起：民主行動黨婦女組主席章瑛國會議員、馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬及民政黨婦女組署理主席吳秀麗。 (照片提供：韩江学院)
转载自：中国报 9/1/2009
謝詩堅：從政靠智慧 議員扮模特易成歪風
(檳城9日訊) 行動黨萬茂州議員黃美美扮仙女戴假髮上雜誌封面受批評，時事評論員兼韓江學院名譽院長拿督謝詩堅博士認為，女議員應表現服務才華，用智慧從政，而不是打扮成模特兒就可博出位。
他說，若此風氣一開始，無形中鼓勵女性以為從政不需要經驗，只要打扮漂亮就行了，不漂亮就不可以從政。
詢及是否女議員不可打扮漂亮，他說，此課題並非只針對黃美美，而是認為女議員應該瞭解議員是為民服務，而不是為了自己。 謝詩堅是昨天出席韓江學院《韓視論壇》開講時，這么指出。
詢及檳首長兼行動黨秘書長林冠英也上男性雜誌封面，還有行動黨國會議員潘檢偉也上雜誌一事，他說，不是反對黨議員不可上雜誌封面，穿西裝可以，像華都牙也國會議員馮寶君在國會發表言論上了封面，表現出女性智慧一面。
聽眾指性別歧視
他說，林冠英的男性雜誌照片也只是幾張，黃美美的則是一系列。
他說，政治人物不需刻意通過模特兒的打扮博出位，她可以穿著端莊，而不是如同模特兒。"做議員就要有所犧牲，如果你要做議員，那又要'扮靚'來做什么，她必須想到已是人民代議士。" ；記者詢及，漂亮沒有準繩，是因個人眼光而異時，他同意漂亮是好，但這雜誌封面讓他第一印象是做議員需要"扮靚"嗎？
儘管如此，謝詩堅言論不獲觀眾李洙博士的認同，她認為，謝詩堅發表如此言論，具有性別歧視。
朝野女領袖：個人自由
針對女性議員或女性從政者是否該以模特兒裝扮形象上雜誌封面一事，朝野政黨婦女組領袖看法有異，但皆認為是個人自由。
針對女性議員或女性從政者是否該以模特兒裝扮形象上雜誌封面一事，朝野政黨婦女組領袖看法有異，但皆認為是個人自由。
民主行動黨婦女組主席章瑛說，這事件沒有對與錯，純粹拍照，該黨秘書長兼檳首長林冠英也一樣上男性雜誌封面。
她說，女性有條件打扮漂亮，這是個人自由。
馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說，個人從政形象，應由自己定位。 她說，女性政者配合媒體上封面打扮，是有某種原因。
她說，自己之前也受到該雜誌的邀請，不過認為不符合個人形象，以及沒有必要做這樣的宣傳，所以拒絕。
民政黨婦女組署理主席吳秀麗則認為，這是個人自由，有些人要標新立異，有自由吸引人。不過，她認為，政治人物是公眾人物，一舉一動受注目，打扮不端莊，會有負面印象。
謝詩堅：不夠組織力3 黨婦女組待加強
行動黨婦女組予人印象是，組織體系脆弱，馬華卻陣容雄厚，但只會搞邱比特天空及排舞，而民政黨則缺乏活力及組織力。
行動黨婦女組予人印象是，組織體系脆弱，馬華卻陣容雄厚，但只會搞邱比特天空及排舞，而民政黨則缺乏活力及組織力。
時事評論員兼韓江學院名譽院長拿督謝詩堅博士直接點評這3個朝野政黨婦女組的印象，他是主持韓江學院"韓視論壇"開講"婦女覺醒運動"時，把這尖銳問題拋給受邀的上述3名婦女組領袖。謝詩堅說，在大馬逾千萬選民中，女性占40%以上，扮演舉足輕重的作用。
減少與華團爭角色
他認為，日后的政黨婦女組應舉辦更多與政治和民生相關活動，減少與華團爭角色，也要重視國際三八婦女節的紀念。 他說，行動黨婦女組成立于1972年，表現以領袖魅力而定，組織體系有待提升，仍很脆弱，在章瑛接任前，幾乎都是由誰的夫人上任。 他指出，馬華婦女組成立于1975年，整體表現有需要加強，令人印象只留在邱比特天空及排舞。 "而民政黨婦女組成立1982年，力圖表現多元種族，但政治活力尚未形成。"
另一方面，馬華婦女組主席周美芬說，馬華婦女組如今要做全方位的從政者，不應只談女人課題，也要談論各種課題，製造女性專業論政的形象。
她說，該黨婦女領袖出來罵人，是經過策略局研究，有所根據，而非要罵就罵。
她同意謝詩堅指馬華婦女組對外形的看法，並指對"邱比特的天空"活動又愛又恨。 她說，因為活動辦得好時，人家會特別注意有關活動，忘記她們在其他方面也曾做過的努力。
Welcome to "FROM COLD, WET FISH TO SUSHI !" seminar
How to create Added Value from your people and your customer service using World Class Formula to survive this economic downturn - by DR. TED JOHNS
DATE : 19 January 2009 (Monday), TIME : 1.00 PM - 5.00 PM
VENUE : Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Wisma MCA, 163, Jalan Ampang, KL
Dr. Ted Johns has been the ABE Examiner for more than 15 years. Dr. Ted recently played a major role in the development of a specialised HRM stream at the Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels, for which he is now the ABE Chief Examiner (HRM). The other major part of Dr. Ted activity concerns his role as Chairman of the Institute of Customer Service. The mission of ICS is to lead customer service performance and professionalism in the service industry. More information about the ICS can be found on the Institute website (http://www.instituteofcustomerservice.com).
Dr. Ted publications include Perfect Customer Care (Arrow), Perfect Time Management (Century Business), The Sociology of Organizational Change (Pergamon), and Ethical Leadership (written with Stephen Connock). He regularly contributes articles to the ICS journal, Customer First, and to other periodicals, notably People Management, Customer Management, Marketing Insights (Singapore), Employee Relations Review and Management Today. A controversial and provocative Dr. Ted Johns column appears in the online Customer Management Newsletter every fortnight (accessible through website www.customoermanagementonline.com/newsletter/current.htm) and he also produces a bimonthly feature for Customer Management magazine itself.
SEMINAR BACKGROUND
We specially invited an expert from UK, Dr. Ted Johns, who is well known for his expertise in the area of customer service, time management, organizational change and ethical leadership. Dr. Ted Johns will share with us business solutions, tools and strategies to survive this economic downturn by illustrating examples to show how these principles work in action as practised by international well known brands, example, the Shangri La group a Malaysian iconic brand. We focus on economic issues, which directly affect the livelihood of many Malaysians. Currently, Malaysia is no exception to the rest of the world in facing the economic uncertainly. Malaysian businesses and individuals will be greatly affected by the economic downturn, therefore it is timely that we organise this case study cum academic seminar to provide effective and actionable world class solutions on how to create added value from your people / employees and your customers to survive this economic downturn.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The seminar will also be a platform to bring together SMEs, academics, professionals, policy makers and students to share their interests, concerns, learning and experience in understanding the nature and conduct of doing business in Malaysia during economic uncertainties.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN?
· Practicable proposals for improving your organisation's reputation, performance and bottom line
· Solutions for securing people commitment and engagement throughout your business
· Realistic routes for achieving world-class service excellence
· Ways for creating a contributor culture across your business, with reduced turnover, increased productivity and a "thinking performer" set of core vales
REGISTRATION FORM
FULL NAME : _______________________________
I/C NO : _______________________________
TEL : _______________________________
FAX : _______________________________
HANDPHONE : _______________________________
EMAIL : _______________________________
ADDRESS : _______________________________
ORGANISATION : _______________________________
SUBSTITUTION / CANCELLATION:
Should you be unable to attend for any reason after registering, please inform us by 17th January 2009. A replacement participant is welcomed.
CLAUSE:
The organizer reserves the right to alter the content and timing of the programme in the best interest of the seminar and reserves the right to cancel this seminar due to unforeseen circumstances.
Walk in participants are welcomed upon availability of seats.
TO REGISTER - Send / fax this entire form (or a photocopy) to:
BELIAWANIS WANITA MCA
7th Floor, Wisma MCA, 163, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Fax: 03-2161 8211
TO CONTACT
Ms. Tee Hooi Ling (Beliawanis Wanita MCA Chairperson) Hp: 012-298 8533
Ms. Jessica Lai (Seminar Organising Chairperson)Hp: 012-203 9028
Email : beliawmca@gmail.com, jezlai@yahoo.com
Website : http://beliawanis.blogspot.com/
DATE : 19 January 2009 (Monday), TIME : 1.00 PM - 5.00 PM
VENUE : Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Wisma MCA, 163, Jalan Ampang, KL
Dr. Ted Johns has been the ABE Examiner for more than 15 years. Dr. Ted recently played a major role in the development of a specialised HRM stream at the Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels, for which he is now the ABE Chief Examiner (HRM). The other major part of Dr. Ted activity concerns his role as Chairman of the Institute of Customer Service. The mission of ICS is to lead customer service performance and professionalism in the service industry. More information about the ICS can be found on the Institute website (http://www.instituteofcustomerservice.com).
Dr. Ted publications include Perfect Customer Care (Arrow), Perfect Time Management (Century Business), The Sociology of Organizational Change (Pergamon), and Ethical Leadership (written with Stephen Connock). He regularly contributes articles to the ICS journal, Customer First, and to other periodicals, notably People Management, Customer Management, Marketing Insights (Singapore), Employee Relations Review and Management Today. A controversial and provocative Dr. Ted Johns column appears in the online Customer Management Newsletter every fortnight (accessible through website www.customoermanagementonline.com/newsletter/current.htm) and he also produces a bimonthly feature for Customer Management magazine itself.
SEMINAR BACKGROUND
We specially invited an expert from UK, Dr. Ted Johns, who is well known for his expertise in the area of customer service, time management, organizational change and ethical leadership. Dr. Ted Johns will share with us business solutions, tools and strategies to survive this economic downturn by illustrating examples to show how these principles work in action as practised by international well known brands, example, the Shangri La group a Malaysian iconic brand. We focus on economic issues, which directly affect the livelihood of many Malaysians. Currently, Malaysia is no exception to the rest of the world in facing the economic uncertainly. Malaysian businesses and individuals will be greatly affected by the economic downturn, therefore it is timely that we organise this case study cum academic seminar to provide effective and actionable world class solutions on how to create added value from your people / employees and your customers to survive this economic downturn.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The seminar will also be a platform to bring together SMEs, academics, professionals, policy makers and students to share their interests, concerns, learning and experience in understanding the nature and conduct of doing business in Malaysia during economic uncertainties.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN?
· Practicable proposals for improving your organisation's reputation, performance and bottom line
· Solutions for securing people commitment and engagement throughout your business
· Realistic routes for achieving world-class service excellence
· Ways for creating a contributor culture across your business, with reduced turnover, increased productivity and a "thinking performer" set of core vales
REGISTRATION FORM
FULL NAME : _______________________________
I/C NO : _______________________________
TEL : _______________________________
FAX : _______________________________
HANDPHONE : _______________________________
EMAIL : _______________________________
ADDRESS : _______________________________
ORGANISATION : _______________________________
SUBSTITUTION / CANCELLATION:
Should you be unable to attend for any reason after registering, please inform us by 17th January 2009. A replacement participant is welcomed.
CLAUSE:
The organizer reserves the right to alter the content and timing of the programme in the best interest of the seminar and reserves the right to cancel this seminar due to unforeseen circumstances.
Walk in participants are welcomed upon availability of seats.
TO REGISTER - Send / fax this entire form (or a photocopy) to:
BELIAWANIS WANITA MCA
7th Floor, Wisma MCA, 163, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Fax: 03-2161 8211
TO CONTACT
Ms. Tee Hooi Ling (Beliawanis Wanita MCA Chairperson) Hp: 012-298 8533
Ms. Jessica Lai (Seminar Organising Chairperson)Hp: 012-203 9028
Email : beliawmca@gmail.com, jezlai@yahoo.com
Website : http://beliawanis.blogspot.com/
Saturday, January 10, 2009
女导游的辛酸泪
于马华中央党部召开新闻发布会，发表联合声明 (7 Jan 2009)
忍气吞声多年，希望同业的领导可以协助，可以带领展开积极的争取，换来的却是排挤与冷嘲热讽和另一种形式的变象打压．
感谢中国报对于女导游事件的跟进报导，让人看到了事件的严重性如何又一次被刻意的淡化，受访者的许多言论突显了他们对女性权益的轻视和妄顾人道，一切以商业利益为依归的狰狞面目，让人惊讶马来西亚的文明是否出了问题？
列举以下言论和大家奇文共赏：
1）“男女同房”的情况已经减少：
批：只要存有对女性安全与尊严构成威胁的可能，就应彻底解决，虽然性骚扰或强奸问题不一定会发生，但只要一宗就已经太多！
2）“到现在还没有收过被逼男女同房的导游作出白字黑字的投诉，所以无法取缔”：
批：由女导游协会发出的申诉函件，甚至冒着失去工作风险代表大家召开记者会的投诉还不算吗？很多站出来投诉的女导游现在已被迫转换工作，甚至新闻一出，参与的导游就开始遭到“封杀”或连一般的女导游也开始面对同事的冷嘲热讽和刁难的辛酸，发此言论着感受到吗？
3）“只要不是同床，男女同房并没有问题！”：
批：我的妈啊！政府规定任何照护中心12岁以上的孩子就得男女分房，甚至分置于不同楼层，你说成年男女同房会没问题吗？只是梳洗过程就很不自在了！
4）对于是否有女导游被逼签署同意接受男女同房问题的回答是：“一般上旅行社会先和导游说清楚”：
批：这句话证明了问题的存在，回答者的心态显然是“你情我愿没得怨”！然而为了工作而签署的女导游，真的是心干情愿的吗？
5）“如果坚持不同房，旅行社将选择聘用男导游，受影响的还是女导游”：
批：你看，威胁意味多浓！仿如旅行社和导游间只有利益输送的关系，同业间相互依存的伙伴情谊荡然无存！有正义感的旅行社应群起谴责这种言论为自己讨回公道！
6）“提供住宿是酒店的责任，酒店应效法其它国家提供不同的房间”：
批：很好奇，为什么导游住宿问题只和酒店有关？看来虽然近来马来西亚专业足球水平每况愈下，民间的踢球技术反而精进不少．
套一句海南人的话和女导游们共勉：“不用怕．怕就不来番”， 您们今天的争取不是只为您们的同业，也将为许许多多遭受不平对待的女性奠定争取的基础，也是一项教育群众正视女性权益的奋斗，马华妇女组将与您风雨同路，一起克服，直到迎接胜利！
周美芬 9/1/09
忍气吞声多年，希望同业的领导可以协助，可以带领展开积极的争取，换来的却是排挤与冷嘲热讽和另一种形式的变象打压．
感谢中国报对于女导游事件的跟进报导，让人看到了事件的严重性如何又一次被刻意的淡化，受访者的许多言论突显了他们对女性权益的轻视和妄顾人道，一切以商业利益为依归的狰狞面目，让人惊讶马来西亚的文明是否出了问题？
列举以下言论和大家奇文共赏：
1）“男女同房”的情况已经减少：
批：只要存有对女性安全与尊严构成威胁的可能，就应彻底解决，虽然性骚扰或强奸问题不一定会发生，但只要一宗就已经太多！
2）“到现在还没有收过被逼男女同房的导游作出白字黑字的投诉，所以无法取缔”：
批：由女导游协会发出的申诉函件，甚至冒着失去工作风险代表大家召开记者会的投诉还不算吗？很多站出来投诉的女导游现在已被迫转换工作，甚至新闻一出，参与的导游就开始遭到“封杀”或连一般的女导游也开始面对同事的冷嘲热讽和刁难的辛酸，发此言论着感受到吗？
3）“只要不是同床，男女同房并没有问题！”：
批：我的妈啊！政府规定任何照护中心12岁以上的孩子就得男女分房，甚至分置于不同楼层，你说成年男女同房会没问题吗？只是梳洗过程就很不自在了！
4）对于是否有女导游被逼签署同意接受男女同房问题的回答是：“一般上旅行社会先和导游说清楚”：
批：这句话证明了问题的存在，回答者的心态显然是“你情我愿没得怨”！然而为了工作而签署的女导游，真的是心干情愿的吗？
5）“如果坚持不同房，旅行社将选择聘用男导游，受影响的还是女导游”：
批：你看，威胁意味多浓！仿如旅行社和导游间只有利益输送的关系，同业间相互依存的伙伴情谊荡然无存！有正义感的旅行社应群起谴责这种言论为自己讨回公道！
6）“提供住宿是酒店的责任，酒店应效法其它国家提供不同的房间”：
批：很好奇，为什么导游住宿问题只和酒店有关？看来虽然近来马来西亚专业足球水平每况愈下，民间的踢球技术反而精进不少．
套一句海南人的话和女导游们共勉：“不用怕．怕就不来番”， 您们今天的争取不是只为您们的同业，也将为许许多多遭受不平对待的女性奠定争取的基础，也是一项教育群众正视女性权益的奋斗，马华妇女组将与您风雨同路，一起克服，直到迎接胜利！
周美芬 9/1/09
拨云见日（40）
Friday, January 9, 2009
Mei Fun: Wanita MCA will be vocal on national issues apart from women’s issues
Interview by Christina Seah- The Guardian Dec'08
Mei Fun: Wanita MCA will be vocal on national issues apart from women’s issues
On 4 Nov 08, The Guardian managed to catch up with the newly elected Wanita MCA National Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun for a short interview where she shared her views and plans on rebuilding, transforming and bringing new ideas to rejuvenate the women’s wing in MCA and parent body as a whole.
Perception on Wanita MCA
Mei Fun started it off by sharing that, “it has been too long that the public and even members in the party have the misconception that Wanita MCA only emphasizes women’s issues. Even the wing’s leaders have also fallen into the trap thinking that Wanita MCA should only focus on issues related to women only.”
She reiterated that, “the public should not forget that Wanita MCA started off as a political body and has always been one.” However, Mei Fun expressed that the special characteristics associated with the wing such as addressing social issues in terms of assisting the needy, disabled and single mothers should not be forgotten.
“It is such characteristics that made Wanita MCA special and which has empower it to continue to work harder to improve the quality of living of women and the disabled in the country. In addition, the wing has never stopped short in its effort to address and resolve issues related with politics, economy, education and culture.”
Rectifying the perception that Wanita MCA is an ageing wing of MCA
Mei Fun urges Wanita members not to be bogged down with the traditional mindset that their responsibilities lie only in voicing out the rights and interest of women. “The wing members should first change their mindsets and recognize their roles as a Malaysian first in addressing issues in a multi-racial approach and not repeating what they had done in the past i.e. looking at issues from the view as a Chinese-based party only.”
She said that it was time for MCA to be seen as a Malaysian political party emphasizing on a more multi-racial approach in addressing issues concerning the interest of all Malaysians. She added that with the change in paradigm mindset, the party could transcend from a Chinese-based political party to a multi-racial Malaysian political party.
“We should not forget our main role i.e. highlighting and addressing issues concerning all Malaysians regardless of race in a more holistic manner,” reiterated Mei Fun.
Mei Fun expressed that, “Wanita MCA should also give fair attention in addressing issues concerning human rights, economy, press freedoms and independence of the judiciary because what Malaysians want to see now is MCA being more vocal and able to voice out the views of the people regardless of race without fear or favour.”
Plans to transform Wanita MCA
Firstly, Mei Fun expressed that she would like to propose to MCA Youth on the need to set up a “Wanita-Youth Joint Working Committee” to sit down and discuss measures to attract interested youths to join MCA Youth and Wanita MCA. She added that the working committee could come out with creative and innovative ideas in designing activities that cater to the interest and needs of the youths today. To prove her point, Mei Fun expressed that she has appointed six Beliawanis leaders from various states as Central Committee (CC) members by invitation and later those who are capable will be appointed as full CC members in due course.
Secondly, she proposed to train a group of young women speakers and writers who are able to articulate their views well on any issues and party stand to the grassroots. Mei Fun acknowledged that, “currently, the wing is facing a drain in quality speakers and writers, who could debate, articulate, write and present their views well to the public as well as members.” Mei Fun stressed that, “only by producing a group of quality women speakers and writers, the wing could make their voices heard and churn out constructive views and stands to address various issues concerning all Malaysians as a whole.”
Thirdly, in creating business opportunities and empowering women with financial independence, Mei Fun proposed to expand and diversify the functions of the MPTC Lifelong Learning Centre to Lifelong Learning & Economic Development Centre by providing vocational training, business opportunities, employment research and also guidance on business startups.
Fourthly, Mei Fun proposed to set up a Political Strategic Bureau which will be tasked in providing timely response and provide constructive inputs and suggestions on various issues concerning the public. The Bureau will also be entrusted to play an active and leading role in law-making and policy implementation while identifying areas for reform and improvement. To achieve its objectives, the Bureau will recruit talents from the various fields and to meet regularly to adopt an active and responsive role in national issues and government policies.
Lastly, Mei Fun said that, “it is very crucial to differentiate the roles to be played by the party at the branch, division and national level especially in Pakatan Rakyat states of Selangor, Perak, Kedah, Perlis and Kelantan. Only through differentiation of roles that their roles would not overlap and be seen doing similar things to achieve similar objectives which is a waste of party funds and also human resources.”
The road ahead
After MCA suffered its heaviest setback at the March 8 General Elections, Mei Fun expressed that the party must now move on with concrete measures to rebuild and rejuvenate the party. She added that the party could not afford to be complacent where it will risk being wiped out altogether in the next General Elections. Mei Fun reiterated that, “all quarters have a role to play in strengthening and rebuilding the party in this time of hardship.” She urged all party members to stand united and move forward as one in facing the challenges of the new political landscape in the country. On a last note, she calls upon all members “to move forward with courage and with the belief that with hard work and never-say-die attitude, the party could ride out of the current political challenges and restore the people’s trust and confidence in MCA again.”
Mei Fun: Wanita MCA will be vocal on national issues apart from women’s issues
On 4 Nov 08, The Guardian managed to catch up with the newly elected Wanita MCA National Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun for a short interview where she shared her views and plans on rebuilding, transforming and bringing new ideas to rejuvenate the women’s wing in MCA and parent body as a whole.
Perception on Wanita MCA
Mei Fun started it off by sharing that, “it has been too long that the public and even members in the party have the misconception that Wanita MCA only emphasizes women’s issues. Even the wing’s leaders have also fallen into the trap thinking that Wanita MCA should only focus on issues related to women only.”
She reiterated that, “the public should not forget that Wanita MCA started off as a political body and has always been one.” However, Mei Fun expressed that the special characteristics associated with the wing such as addressing social issues in terms of assisting the needy, disabled and single mothers should not be forgotten.
“It is such characteristics that made Wanita MCA special and which has empower it to continue to work harder to improve the quality of living of women and the disabled in the country. In addition, the wing has never stopped short in its effort to address and resolve issues related with politics, economy, education and culture.”
Rectifying the perception that Wanita MCA is an ageing wing of MCA
Mei Fun urges Wanita members not to be bogged down with the traditional mindset that their responsibilities lie only in voicing out the rights and interest of women. “The wing members should first change their mindsets and recognize their roles as a Malaysian first in addressing issues in a multi-racial approach and not repeating what they had done in the past i.e. looking at issues from the view as a Chinese-based party only.”
She said that it was time for MCA to be seen as a Malaysian political party emphasizing on a more multi-racial approach in addressing issues concerning the interest of all Malaysians. She added that with the change in paradigm mindset, the party could transcend from a Chinese-based political party to a multi-racial Malaysian political party.
“We should not forget our main role i.e. highlighting and addressing issues concerning all Malaysians regardless of race in a more holistic manner,” reiterated Mei Fun.
Mei Fun expressed that, “Wanita MCA should also give fair attention in addressing issues concerning human rights, economy, press freedoms and independence of the judiciary because what Malaysians want to see now is MCA being more vocal and able to voice out the views of the people regardless of race without fear or favour.”
Plans to transform Wanita MCA
Firstly, Mei Fun expressed that she would like to propose to MCA Youth on the need to set up a “Wanita-Youth Joint Working Committee” to sit down and discuss measures to attract interested youths to join MCA Youth and Wanita MCA. She added that the working committee could come out with creative and innovative ideas in designing activities that cater to the interest and needs of the youths today. To prove her point, Mei Fun expressed that she has appointed six Beliawanis leaders from various states as Central Committee (CC) members by invitation and later those who are capable will be appointed as full CC members in due course.
Secondly, she proposed to train a group of young women speakers and writers who are able to articulate their views well on any issues and party stand to the grassroots. Mei Fun acknowledged that, “currently, the wing is facing a drain in quality speakers and writers, who could debate, articulate, write and present their views well to the public as well as members.” Mei Fun stressed that, “only by producing a group of quality women speakers and writers, the wing could make their voices heard and churn out constructive views and stands to address various issues concerning all Malaysians as a whole.”
Thirdly, in creating business opportunities and empowering women with financial independence, Mei Fun proposed to expand and diversify the functions of the MPTC Lifelong Learning Centre to Lifelong Learning & Economic Development Centre by providing vocational training, business opportunities, employment research and also guidance on business startups.
Fourthly, Mei Fun proposed to set up a Political Strategic Bureau which will be tasked in providing timely response and provide constructive inputs and suggestions on various issues concerning the public. The Bureau will also be entrusted to play an active and leading role in law-making and policy implementation while identifying areas for reform and improvement. To achieve its objectives, the Bureau will recruit talents from the various fields and to meet regularly to adopt an active and responsive role in national issues and government policies.
Lastly, Mei Fun said that, “it is very crucial to differentiate the roles to be played by the party at the branch, division and national level especially in Pakatan Rakyat states of Selangor, Perak, Kedah, Perlis and Kelantan. Only through differentiation of roles that their roles would not overlap and be seen doing similar things to achieve similar objectives which is a waste of party funds and also human resources.”
The road ahead
After MCA suffered its heaviest setback at the March 8 General Elections, Mei Fun expressed that the party must now move on with concrete measures to rebuild and rejuvenate the party. She added that the party could not afford to be complacent where it will risk being wiped out altogether in the next General Elections. Mei Fun reiterated that, “all quarters have a role to play in strengthening and rebuilding the party in this time of hardship.” She urged all party members to stand united and move forward as one in facing the challenges of the new political landscape in the country. On a last note, she calls upon all members “to move forward with courage and with the belief that with hard work and never-say-die attitude, the party could ride out of the current political challenges and restore the people’s trust and confidence in MCA again.”
Nod from ministry enables female tourist guides to renew licences independently
The Star On Line: Thursday January 8, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Women Tourist Guides Association (MWTGA) has received the Tourism Ministry’s green light to become an autonomous body after its application to be affiliated with a national tourism body was rejected.
The independent status, obtained last month, enables the 110 members of the association to renew their licences without having to fulfil the ministry’s previous requirement of being the Malaysia Tour Guide Council affiliate.
At a joint press conference with the association, Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said that although the matter of renewing their licence had been resolved, rejecting the application for affiliation was unreasonable and unconstitutional.
She said the application was rejected because affiliations were to be granted only to a geographical region such as state or the federal territory and the fact that the council did not want to promote or encourage an element of “gender segregation”.
“The grounds provided by the council are discriminatory on the basis of gender and unconstitutional, contravening Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution which prohibits any form of discrimination on the basis of gender,” said Chew at Wisma MCA yesterday.
MWTGA president Erina Loo said the association wanted a healthy and safe working environment for female tourist guides.
“It (room-sharing) has always been a major problem for us. When we request for separate rooms, we are usually sidelined when assignments are given,” she said, demanding an apology from the council for rejecting their application.
When contacted, council president Jimmy Leong said the rejection was based on the council’s constitution that there could be no two national bodies of the same type at the same time.
“As a professional organisation, we cannot have gender segregation in the council. For example, we don’t have two separate Bar Councils for female and male lawyers, do we? It’s just not possible,” he said, refusing to apologise.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Women Tourist Guides Association (MWTGA) has received the Tourism Ministry’s green light to become an autonomous body after its application to be affiliated with a national tourism body was rejected.
The independent status, obtained last month, enables the 110 members of the association to renew their licences without having to fulfil the ministry’s previous requirement of being the Malaysia Tour Guide Council affiliate.
At a joint press conference with the association, Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said that although the matter of renewing their licence had been resolved, rejecting the application for affiliation was unreasonable and unconstitutional.
She said the application was rejected because affiliations were to be granted only to a geographical region such as state or the federal territory and the fact that the council did not want to promote or encourage an element of “gender segregation”.
“The grounds provided by the council are discriminatory on the basis of gender and unconstitutional, contravening Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution which prohibits any form of discrimination on the basis of gender,” said Chew at Wisma MCA yesterday.
MWTGA president Erina Loo said the association wanted a healthy and safe working environment for female tourist guides.
“It (room-sharing) has always been a major problem for us. When we request for separate rooms, we are usually sidelined when assignments are given,” she said, demanding an apology from the council for rejecting their application.
When contacted, council president Jimmy Leong said the rejection was based on the council’s constitution that there could be no two national bodies of the same type at the same time.
“As a professional organisation, we cannot have gender segregation in the council. For example, we don’t have two separate Bar Councils for female and male lawyers, do we? It’s just not possible,” he said, refusing to apologise.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
捍卫女导游权利, 为女导游提供一个安全和有保障的工作环境
马华妇女组与马来西亚女导游协会联合声明
捍卫女导游权利, 为女导游提供一个安全和有保障的工作环境
马来西亚女导游协会会员执照更新事件
马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会对马来西亚导游委员会拒绝马来西亚女导游协会成为该属下会员的申请感到遗憾。为了符合申请更新导游执照的条件，马来西亚女导游协会长久以来从不间断的积极申请成为马来西亚导游委员会属下会员。然而，有关申请却在马来西亚导游委员会所设下的会员申请条件下被拒绝了，并进而导致马来西亚女导游协会的会员在申请执照方面面对阻难。
庆幸的是，在获得旅游部长拿督斯里阿扎丽娜的支持下与协助下，旅游部秘书长于2008年12月26日发出了旅游部承认马来西亚女导游协会为马来西亚其中一个导游协会的公函，正式的确定了马来西亚女导游协会的官方认可地位，立即并一劳永逸的解决了该协会旗下会员申请更新执照的问题，目前其属下会员已可以顺利在该协会的名义下申请更新执照。
虽然马来西亚女导游协会会员申请执照事件在获得旅游部承认地位后迎刃而解，但，我们必须强调的是马来西亚导游委员会拒绝接受马来西亚女导游协会成为属下会员的理由是不合理与不符合宪法精神的。因此，我们要清楚的点出在马来西亚导游委员会致予马来西亚女导游协会志期2008年7月1日的公函中所提供的以下理由是具性别歧视性的。
1. “根据马来西亚导游委员会的章程5.1.1.1，会员地位的申请只有在有关地区如州或直辖区内还没有任何该地区的马来西亚导游委员会属下会员的情形下获得考虑“
2. “由于马来西亚导游委员会是一个专业而非实行性别区分的“社会”组织，因此马来西亚导游委员会作为导游专业的母会不提倡或鼓励“性别隔离”。
马来西亚导游委员会拒绝马来西亚女导游协会申请成为该会属下会员所引述的理由很明显的透露出性别歧视并已违反了联邦宪法第8（2）禁止任何形式性别歧视的条文，因此，我们严正要求马来西亚导游委员会向马来西亚女导游协会会员作出公开道歉。
我们也希望借此机会提醒公众，在联邦宪法第8（2）条文下，任何人都不应该因为性别的理由而遭到歧视。
女导游被逼男女同房
去年年头旅游部针对女导游执行任务时被逼男女同房的事件向所有旅行社发出警告通函的举动值得赞赏。然而，可惜的是，有关的通函不但无法有效的制止有关事件的发生，反而衍生了女导游被逼签署表示愿意与男同事同房的文件，否则将面对失去工作机会的风险。
马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会对于旅游部愿意重新检讨以及寻求替代方案解决男女同房的课题感到欣慰。旅游部秘书长已经同意将在近期内召集相关旅游业者对此课题召开会议。
鉴于马来西亚是《联合国消除任何形式的妇女歧视条约》的签署国，以及我国联邦宪法第8（2）条文禁止性别歧视，马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会吁请所有相关单位采取适当措施，为女性，尤其是女导游提供一个有保障的工作环境：
(i) 旅游业者严格遵守旅游部针对女导游被逼男女同房事件所发出的警告通函规定。
(ii) 酒店业者根据性别为不同性别的旅游工作者提供各别住宿（效法其他国家如越南、中国、柬埔寨、泰国、印尼和日本的做法）
最后，马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会呼吁所有女导游申请加入成为马来西亚女导游协会会员，以结合力量争取女导游的权益和福利。马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会承诺将和大家一起通过从解决女导游被逼男女同房课题开始，持续倡导与争取为女导游提供一个安全、舒适与友善的工作环境。
7th Jan 2009
捍卫女导游权利, 为女导游提供一个安全和有保障的工作环境
马来西亚女导游协会会员执照更新事件
马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会对马来西亚导游委员会拒绝马来西亚女导游协会成为该属下会员的申请感到遗憾。为了符合申请更新导游执照的条件，马来西亚女导游协会长久以来从不间断的积极申请成为马来西亚导游委员会属下会员。然而，有关申请却在马来西亚导游委员会所设下的会员申请条件下被拒绝了，并进而导致马来西亚女导游协会的会员在申请执照方面面对阻难。
庆幸的是，在获得旅游部长拿督斯里阿扎丽娜的支持下与协助下，旅游部秘书长于2008年12月26日发出了旅游部承认马来西亚女导游协会为马来西亚其中一个导游协会的公函，正式的确定了马来西亚女导游协会的官方认可地位，立即并一劳永逸的解决了该协会旗下会员申请更新执照的问题，目前其属下会员已可以顺利在该协会的名义下申请更新执照。
虽然马来西亚女导游协会会员申请执照事件在获得旅游部承认地位后迎刃而解，但，我们必须强调的是马来西亚导游委员会拒绝接受马来西亚女导游协会成为属下会员的理由是不合理与不符合宪法精神的。因此，我们要清楚的点出在马来西亚导游委员会致予马来西亚女导游协会志期2008年7月1日的公函中所提供的以下理由是具性别歧视性的。
1. “根据马来西亚导游委员会的章程5.1.1.1，会员地位的申请只有在有关地区如州或直辖区内还没有任何该地区的马来西亚导游委员会属下会员的情形下获得考虑“
2. “由于马来西亚导游委员会是一个专业而非实行性别区分的“社会”组织，因此马来西亚导游委员会作为导游专业的母会不提倡或鼓励“性别隔离”。
马来西亚导游委员会拒绝马来西亚女导游协会申请成为该会属下会员所引述的理由很明显的透露出性别歧视并已违反了联邦宪法第8（2）禁止任何形式性别歧视的条文，因此，我们严正要求马来西亚导游委员会向马来西亚女导游协会会员作出公开道歉。
我们也希望借此机会提醒公众，在联邦宪法第8（2）条文下，任何人都不应该因为性别的理由而遭到歧视。
女导游被逼男女同房
去年年头旅游部针对女导游执行任务时被逼男女同房的事件向所有旅行社发出警告通函的举动值得赞赏。然而，可惜的是，有关的通函不但无法有效的制止有关事件的发生，反而衍生了女导游被逼签署表示愿意与男同事同房的文件，否则将面对失去工作机会的风险。
马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会对于旅游部愿意重新检讨以及寻求替代方案解决男女同房的课题感到欣慰。旅游部秘书长已经同意将在近期内召集相关旅游业者对此课题召开会议。
鉴于马来西亚是《联合国消除任何形式的妇女歧视条约》的签署国，以及我国联邦宪法第8（2）条文禁止性别歧视，马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会吁请所有相关单位采取适当措施，为女性，尤其是女导游提供一个有保障的工作环境：
(i) 旅游业者严格遵守旅游部针对女导游被逼男女同房事件所发出的警告通函规定。
(ii) 酒店业者根据性别为不同性别的旅游工作者提供各别住宿（效法其他国家如越南、中国、柬埔寨、泰国、印尼和日本的做法）
最后，马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会呼吁所有女导游申请加入成为马来西亚女导游协会会员，以结合力量争取女导游的权益和福利。马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会承诺将和大家一起通过从解决女导游被逼男女同房课题开始，持续倡导与争取为女导游提供一个安全、舒适与友善的工作环境。
7th Jan 2009
SAFEGUARD RIGHTS OF WOMEN TOURIST GUIDES
Joint Press Statement by Wanita MCA and
Malaysian Women Tourist Guides Association (MWTGA)
Malaysian Women Tourist Guides Association (MWTGA)
SAFEGUARD RIGHTS OF WOMEN TOURIST GUIDES
Create Safe and Enabling Work Environment for Women Tourist Guides
Create Safe and Enabling Work Environment for Women Tourist Guides
Renewal of License for members of MWTGA
Wanita MCA and MWTGA are gravely disappointed with the Malaysia Tour Guide Council (MTGC) for rejecting MWTGA’s application for an affiliation on the grounds of gender. MWTGA persistently attempted to affiliate with MTGC in an effort to fulfil one of the criteria required by the Ministry of Tourism for renewal of license. However, the restrictions set by the MTGC as requirement for affiliation resulted in the halting of renewal of license by members of MWTGA.
Fortunately with the support from the Ministry of Tourism under the leadership of Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman, an official letter was issued by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism confirming the independent status of MWTGA which enables members of MWTGA to renew their license without having to fulfil the requirement of being an affiliate with the MTGC. Thus, this formal recognition of MWTGA by the Ministry of Tourism provides an immediate resolution to the issue of renewal of license for members of MWTGA.
Although the issue of renewal of license is resolved with the recognition of MWTGA as an autonomous body by the Ministry of Tourism, however, we would like to stress that MTGC’s rejection of MWTGA’s application for affiliation with MTGC is unreasonable and unconstitutional. As such, we would like to highlight parts of a letter dated 1 July 2008 received by MWTGA on 17 September 2008 from MTGC rejecting MWTGA’s application for an affiliation which are expressly gender discriminatory:
(1) “that Clause 5.1.1.1. of the MTGC constitution, consideration for such affiliation can be granted only to a geographical region such as State or Federal Territory without a tourist guide association currently affiliated to the council.”
Wanita MCA and MWTGA are gravely disappointed with the Malaysia Tour Guide Council (MTGC) for rejecting MWTGA’s application for an affiliation on the grounds of gender. MWTGA persistently attempted to affiliate with MTGC in an effort to fulfil one of the criteria required by the Ministry of Tourism for renewal of license. However, the restrictions set by the MTGC as requirement for affiliation resulted in the halting of renewal of license by members of MWTGA.
Fortunately with the support from the Ministry of Tourism under the leadership of Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman, an official letter was issued by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism confirming the independent status of MWTGA which enables members of MWTGA to renew their license without having to fulfil the requirement of being an affiliate with the MTGC. Thus, this formal recognition of MWTGA by the Ministry of Tourism provides an immediate resolution to the issue of renewal of license for members of MWTGA.
Although the issue of renewal of license is resolved with the recognition of MWTGA as an autonomous body by the Ministry of Tourism, however, we would like to stress that MTGC’s rejection of MWTGA’s application for affiliation with MTGC is unreasonable and unconstitutional. As such, we would like to highlight parts of a letter dated 1 July 2008 received by MWTGA on 17 September 2008 from MTGC rejecting MWTGA’s application for an affiliation which are expressly gender discriminatory:
(1) “that Clause 5.1.1.1. of the MTGC constitution, consideration for such affiliation can be granted only to a geographical region such as State or Federal Territory without a tourist guide association currently affiliated to the council.”
(2) “rejection of ‘gender segregation’ that MTGC as a umbrella body for the tourist guiding profession do not promote or encourage the element of “gender segregation” as MTGC is a ‘profession-based’ organisation and not otherwise as a ‘social’ body with the practice of isolating a single gender into a group.”
Given that the above grounds provided by MTGC in response to MWTGA’s application for an affiliation are expressly discriminatory on the basis of gender and unconstitutional contravening Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution which prohibits any form of discrimination on the basis of gender, we seek an official apology from the MTGC for having caused duress to MWTGA members.
We would also like to take this opportunity to highlight to the general public that no one should be discriminated on the grounds of gender as stipulated under Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution.
Room Sharing between Genders
It is commendable that the Ministry of Tourism issued a circular early last year which served as a warning to all licensed tour agents to address the issue of room-sharing between genders. However, it appears that the circular was ineffective. In fact, subsequent to the circular, women tourist guides were compelled to sign formal documents consenting to share room with male colleagues and failing which, they risk losing assignments.
Wanita MCA and MWTGA are pleased with the receptiveness of the Ministry of Tourism in agreeing to find alternative solution to this issue of room-sharing between genders. The Secretary General has agreed to call for a meeting with all tour operators to resolve this issue effectively and amicably.
In tandem with Malaysia’s commitment both at the global and local front as signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the amendment of Article 8(2) respectively which prohibit discrimination based on gender, Wanita MCA and MWTGA strongly urge all relevant parties to take positive measures such as the following to provide an enabling environment for women, in this particular case, women tourist guides:
(i) Tour/ Travel agency to strictly adhere to the circular issued by the Ministry of Tourism on the issue of room-sharing between genders
(ii) Hoteliers to provide separate dormitories according to gender (as practised in other countries such as Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia and Japan)
Finally, Wanita MCA and MWTGA urge all women tourist guides to join MWTGA as a united front to represent rights and interests of women tourist guides. Let us all work together, as Wanita MCA and MWTGA will continue to advocate for a safe, conducive and friendly working environment for all women tourist guides through resolving the issue of room-sharing between genders.
7th Jan 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
“牛转乾坤创新猷-新春送温情”
“牛转乾坤创新猷-新春送温情”
～ 为贫困单亲家庭及马华妇女组儿童援助计划筹募基金
宗旨 ：
贯彻马华9大政纲之“社会关怀”精神
缘起：
是继马华志工团在双溪威华小和锡米山华小开设单亲家庭孩子在校安亲班后的延续，鼓励并协助单亲家长自力更生。
主办单位：
· 马华妇女组
· 马华志工团
· 多元互助走廊
· 余仁生
· 时代广场
受惠与受邀参与的对象：
无论是单身母亲、父亲、祖父、祖母 或兄、姐，只要是家庭的唯一经济支柱，同时家庭收入符合以下情况：
收入RM1200或低于RM1200, 而必须照顾1名或以上孩子
收入RM1500或低于RM1500, 而必须照顾2名或以上孩子
收入RM1800或低于RM1800, 而必须照顾3名或以上孩子
收入RM2000或低于RM2000, 而必须照顾4名或以上孩子
符合条件者我们邀请他们于2009年1月10日前向马华中央妇女组登记参与“牛转乾坤创新猷-新春送温情“计划，以100个家庭为限，先到先得。
获得鉴定符合资格的单亲家庭除了可向亲友推销大会特别为鼓励单亲家长自力更生而推出的“新春礼篮推销计划”，从中赚取由余仁生所提供的优渥佣金外，还有机会在1月17日成为我们的首要嘉宾，和马华总会长夫妇度过一个开了的下午。
由于凡成功推销余仁生礼篮的单亲家长都可赚取相当优渥的佣金，由于佣金优渥，所以只供符合资格的单亲家长。
马华妇女组的联络电话号码03-21618044
可上网下载wanita.mca.org.my登记表格
为奖励单亲家长努力推销，为家庭过一个丰盛新年而努力，凡成功推销RM2000 礼篮以上者就有机会参与最佳销售奖的比赛，销售成绩最好的除了佣金之外还可领取现金奖：
第一名 RM888
第二名 RM688
第三名 RM388
除此，马华妇女组的党员也将参与推销的工作以为马华妇女组即将在犬马各州开设妇女儿童援助中心筹募经费。
这项活动将在2009年1月17日进入高潮，因为当天马华总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰和夫人将亲临时代广场主持派发红包与礼篮给100个受惠的单亲家庭和300名的单亲家庭孩子，同时时代广场也将款待受惠家庭在时代广场的小事中心享用小食，过后还为300名孩子们准备了游乐园的入场券，势必让所有参与的受惠单亲家庭度过一个亲子相处欢乐融融的一天。也为即将到来的新年带回一些红包和礼物。
除了红包，当天余仁生也将送出100桶的一桶金给所有100个单亲受惠家庭。
我们希望有意愿参与这项计划捐赠红包给100个受惠家庭的人士与公众联络马华妇女组03-21618044， 如反应热烈，我们将要颁发红包与礼篮给更多需要协助的单亲家庭。
TheStarOnLine: Sunday January 4, 2009
MCA relief squad helping single parents earn more
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA’s Crisis Relief Squad is helping 100 single-parent families to increase their incomes by selling health products.
“This is to help low-income single parents become more self-dependent,” said Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
Yesterday, Chew launched a project with healthcare product distributor Eu Yan Sang to hand out hampers to single parents.
The project was open to single parents whose income was below RM1,200 (with one child), below RM1,500 (two children) and below RM1,800 (three children).
“If they achieve RM2,000 or more in sales, they will be given a best-seller award,” Chew said.
The top award comes with a RM888 prize while the second and third place winners will receive RM688 and RM388 respectively.
馬華志工團‧作好準備救災
星洲日報‧2009.01.05
國內
（登嘉樓‧瓜拉登嘉樓）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指示全國各州所有馬華志工團，隨時作好準備，以協助受水災影響的災黎。
她週日（1月4日）為唐人街馬華行動室主持啟用揮旗儀式時說，任何有需要協助的災黎，可致電向各州馬華志工團團長，或直接聯絡馬華總部。
針對彭亨州水災，她說：“我已告訴彭亨志工團團長拿督彭子明，以便動用我們所擁有的資源協助林明的災黎。”
她透露將於2月9至12日，邀請台灣防災中心主任及助手團，到林明協助當地居民建立社區防災系統。
她說，林明是馬華志工團建立社區防災系統的第一站，柔佛州則是志工團的第二站。
她補充，馬華志工團計劃與《星洲日報》聯辦社區防災系統講座會，以提昇居民對防災的意識及認知。
國內
（登嘉樓‧瓜拉登嘉樓）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指示全國各州所有馬華志工團，隨時作好準備，以協助受水災影響的災黎。
她週日（1月4日）為唐人街馬華行動室主持啟用揮旗儀式時說，任何有需要協助的災黎，可致電向各州馬華志工團團長，或直接聯絡馬華總部。
針對彭亨州水災，她說：“我已告訴彭亨志工團團長拿督彭子明，以便動用我們所擁有的資源協助林明的災黎。”
她透露將於2月9至12日，邀請台灣防災中心主任及助手團，到林明協助當地居民建立社區防災系統。
她說，林明是馬華志工團建立社區防災系統的第一站，柔佛州則是志工團的第二站。
她補充，馬華志工團計劃與《星洲日報》聯辦社區防災系統講座會，以提昇居民對防災的意識及認知。
周美芬带领马华妇女组赴瓜登助选
周美芬為萬阿末站台‧“5大理由不能投回教黨”
星洲日報‧2009.01.05 國內
（登嘉樓‧瓜拉登嘉樓）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬列出5大不能投選回教黨的理由，呼吁華裔選民再給國陣政府一個機會，在瓜登國會議席補選中投票支持國陣候選人拿督萬阿末法立，她說，在308大選後，中央政府已經努力改過，選民應該再給國陣一個機會。
“國陣政府已經慢慢在改變，我們看到政府成立反貪委員會，推行司法改革，選民應該要給予這個政府一個機會。
只要這個政府做得好，就要支持它，不要受外面的情緒所影響。”
她表示，在瓜登補選中，華裔的選票必須非常集中，傳達一個強烈清楚的訊息，拒絕回教黨。
她週日（1月4日）為唐人街馬華行動室主持啟用揮旗儀式時說，瓜登選民投票支持國陣候選人萬阿末法立，等於投票支持登州唯一的馬華州議員杜振耀。
她週日（1月4日）為唐人街馬華行動室主持啟用揮旗儀式時說，瓜登選民投票支持國陣候選人萬阿末法立，等於投票支持登州唯一的馬華州議員杜振耀。
周美芬4大不能投回教黨的理由
（一）在瓜登國會議席補選時，用選票懲罰言行不一的回教黨。
（二）選民必須賞罰分明，以選票獎賞及肯定非常照顧華社的登州政府。
（三）支持國陣候選人，以讓登州唯一華裔州議員杜振耀能夠把工作做得更好。
（四）即使多喜歡民聯，補選時也不能投票回教黨，避免壯大回教黨，讓民聯更回教化。
【熱點新聞：瓜登國席補選】星洲日報‧2009.01.05
Saturday, January 3, 2009
《叫印裔情何以堪？》
拨云见日（39）
这边厢我们看到安华在他与其夫人，也就是公正党主席旺阿兹莎发表的联合新年献辞中振振有辞的说，国阵政府想看到民联分裂的希望将破灭。
他说，他们（国阵）忘记了民联的成立时立基于以民为本和带来改变。这种改变是超越种族与政党的。
那边厢，我们看到了：宣布辞去公正党雪州联委会署理主席一职的加埔国会议员马尼卡瓦沙甘出言抨击民联政府并没有正视印裔社群的问题。
他说，“就算是霹雳、槟城和吉打，他们（印裔）也投诉遭到歧视。比如在加埔的圣淘沙花园，虽然95%居民是印裔，但是他们却委任马来村长。
他质问，虽然民联在308后大选成功在5州执政，但是他们是否已经实现兴权会提出的18项建议？
这边厢我们看到安华在他与其夫人，也就是公正党主席旺阿兹莎发表的联合新年献辞中振振有辞的说，国阵政府想看到民联分裂的希望将破灭。
他说，他们（国阵）忘记了民联的成立时立基于以民为本和带来改变。这种改变是超越种族与政党的。
那边厢，我们看到了：宣布辞去公正党雪州联委会署理主席一职的加埔国会议员马尼卡瓦沙甘出言抨击民联政府并没有正视印裔社群的问题。
他说，“就算是霹雳、槟城和吉打，他们（印裔）也投诉遭到歧视。比如在加埔的圣淘沙花园，虽然95%居民是印裔，但是他们却委任马来村长。
他质问，虽然民联在308后大选成功在5州执政，但是他们是否已经实现兴权会提出的18项建议？
“从公正党的角度，我不完全接受这18项建议。但是，你至少应该给予讨论的机会，解决其中5项或6项问题。”
他也批评党内另外一名印裔领袖西华拉沙，指后者身为唯一的公正党印裔副主席，但是三年来不曾召开会议讨论印裔问题。
308大选，兴权会成功唤起了人民对印度人长期受压迫的愤慨，这种愤慨的情绪甚至也深深地掀动了其他非土著的神经线，甚而汇成了同仇敌忾的一股大怨气！大选后，大家都对民联以民为本，不分种族的政治满怀憧憬，甚至希望民联变天成功- 即使变天的手段是不合法统的也在所不惜！
今天，我们虽然看到了308大选后所带来的许多好的发展，这种发展包括了民联政府的一些以民粹为主的新政，也包括了国阵加速承诺的落实，然而我们对于民联的高喊的多元种族政治的发展却难免还存有很多的疑惑，包括：
● 为什么号称多元种族政党的公正党在委任所有州主席时，都只清一色委任了马来人？
● 为什么能力备受承认的拿汀巴杜卡刘秀梅就是不能担任雪州发展局的总经理？为什么只能委任马来人？
● 为什么公正党党内的印裔党员在大选后不足一年的时间里就开始怒吼民联政府没有正视印裔社群的问题？
● 为什么95%印裔的村却委任了一位印裔村长？印裔没有符合资格的人选还是担心印裔无法不分种族的照顾各族利益？
真是叫印裔和所有期待多元种族政治的人民情何以堪啊？
也许您会说，国阵还不是一样？确实！残留的种族主义还是存在！
但，承诺的就要做，而不能以他人的表现为自己开脱！同样的，国阵内的各成员党和领袖们如果不改变，人民还是会展现他们的力量！308不是证明了吗？可是，请以同样的标准要求两个阵线！
如此，两线制才有实质的意义，民主政治发展才能更健全，民声、民愿才能更响亮！
周美芬 2/1/09
Friday, January 2, 2009
theStar: Mei Fun quits Pempena post
Thursday January 1, 2009 (the Star On Line)
PETALING JAYA: Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun has resigned as executive chairman of Pempena Sdn Bhd.
PETALING JAYA: Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun has resigned as executive chairman of Pempena Sdn Bhd.
Chew said her resignation was to make way for the management of Tourism Malaysia, the holding company of Pempena, to move the company forward.
“I have completed the first phase of organisational restructuring,” she wrote in her blog Chew Mei Fun (http://chewmeifun.blogspot.com) at 11.30am yesterday.
The second phase would require a longer period, Chew said, and noted that her positions in MCA and Pempena required both time and dedication.
“With my appointment as MCA Wanita Chief two months ago, I have discovered that both MCA Wanita and Pempena require my dedicated time,” she said, adding that she also needed to devote time to rebuilding the party.
She thanked Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the company’s board and staff for their support and assistance when she was with Pempena.
“I hope the company will move forward as soon as possible, and will again excel and be a catalyst for the tourism industry,” she added.
Chew was appointed executive director of Pempena on May 2 last year and executive chairman on Oct 1.
On Nov 19 last year, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang lodged a police report against Pempena and the ministry for alleged fraud, criminal breach of trust and abuse of power.
Azalina said in Parliament on Nov 3 that Pempena had been involved in dubious deals and had made bad decisions on investments.
The ministry appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers to audit Pempena and found that only a few of its 24 companies had showed profits. The audit firm has since wrapped up its report.
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