Tuesday, March 31, 2009

周美芬:马华妇女组全方位发展,刷新形象

新闻稿


(居銮22日讯) 马华全国妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬说要看到马华重新站起来,现在就是工作与振作的时候!

她今午在居銮主持马华柔州马华志工团抗拒黑斑蚊活动前,会见居銮、新邦令金及森布隆区会马华妇女组领袖时说:“我们必需要承认及面对错误和失败,在痛定思痛吸取教训之后,扭转劣势,重新再出发!因此,現在就是工作與振作的時候,我们要看到马华重新站起来。”

周美芬认为若要落实有效及理想中的两线制,人民必需要公平监督与检视国阵与民联的表现,让两线制朝向健康的方向发展,人民在允许民联监督与检讨国阵之外,也必须让国阵扮演监督与检讨民联的角色,如此两线制的存在才有意义。

她说,马华是一个机制健全而庞大的政治组织,在落实管理众人之事的政治理念时,各级组织应各司其职,分别扮演不同的角色,支区会妇女组是最接近基层的组织,应继续推动社区活动和社会关怀计划,以加强组织与草根人民的联系,而州级中央妇女组则应积极参与和关注国州政府政经文教等政策的监督与倡导。

“马华妇女组已经积极全面研究各项不利妇女的政策与法律,以保障妇女权益,关注的焦点并非个别案主,而是从方案、组织、政策、而至法令层次。”周美芬强调。

她向与会者报告说,新届马华妇女组中委会已成立了专责研究政策与法案的政治策略局,目前已进行的工作包括了已于今年1月15日,率领马华妇女组和华团妇女组代表拜会首相署部長拿督斯里納茲里,并再次于2月23日拜会上议院主席和下议院议长,提呈了“性別歧视评论联合备忘录”,要求修改议会常规,并建议在议员的行为守则中明文规定,禁止议员发表污辱女性或性別歧视的言论。

此外,马华妇女组也正协助马来西亚女导游协会,通过旅游部的协助解决女导游被逼与男同事或男司机同房的课题,而目前的成果之一是旅游部已发出公函正式承认马来西亚女导游协会的独立地位,解决了其代表属下会员申请或跟新准证的问题。

她说,马华妇女组也将针对目前国内许多外籍配偶所面对的各类问题进行研究,马华妇女组将会扮演领导妇女的角色,除了中央妇女组,未来州及区会妇女组也将在中央妇女组的协助下扮演先锋的角色,向州政府和县市议会提呈备忘录和诉求;我们除了回应课题,也应倡导改变

周美芬透露中央妇女组目前正积极筹备设立《妇女企业发展中心》,协助妇女申请贷款、创业和技职培训,同时,也会在各州及总部提供妇女儿童援助服务。

她也要求各州妇女组全力协助广招女青年加入马华,鼓励更多年轻女性参政。

“我们将会为这些女青年提供友善的参政环境,并加以培训,让妇女组年轻化。”

另一方面,妇女组也正招募善于辩论和写作的妇女党员,一系列的相关培训将会展开,加强妇女论政和议政人才,加速妇女转型,务求刷新形象!

Monday, March 30, 2009

扭转乾坤,还看今朝

拨云见日(48)

正当大家都引颈期待敦马出席巫统大会时,他的公子却在巫青团的选举中下马了,不但下马,得票还是最后一名,也许这已使到原来要见证他曾经一手提拔,也有份参与一脚踹下的首相卸任巫统主席的“兴致”大减! 按照他过去的“表现”,凯里的未来显然并不好过!凯里最好从此“生生性性、端端正正”,否则他不但极可能将是继首相后另一名不断遭到敦马批判的巫统领导,而巫统的振兴之计也可能因此而更匍匐难行!

看巫统党选成绩,最容易预料的是妇女组的改选成绩,姑且不谈拉大姐和莎大姐在个人能力上谁强谁弱,单看拉大姐当初在首相改变初衷以三月党选后退位取代再任首相一段时间后退位的决定时,仍然坚持维持原定计划,继续竞选担任主席一段时间后才交由莎丽扎接棒的决定所引起的党内外“鼓噪”,就已注定了今天的败局,只是得票之低,让人唏嘘!再次的证明了上台靠机会,下台靠智慧这句醒世名言的权威无可挑战!

以我和莎丽扎共事几年的经验,莎丽扎是一个非常小心翼翼,稳打稳扎,不轻易显露不满而能委曲求全的从政者,我相信如果不是因为卡米拉获得了署理主席的足够提名,莎丽扎是不太可能背水一战的!因为“冒险”这两个字很少出现在莎丽扎身上!也因此,虽然坊间一再的流传出她不是纳吉属意的人选,但我依旧相信她绝对不会是反纳吉的人,相反的她会非常配合与尊重纳吉的领导。

按照一般的看法,巫统母体的成绩,主要的上位者都是纳吉阵营的人,加上莎丽扎的从政态度和凯里在不受看好的情况下突围照理会比较检点、伯拉不太可能像敦马那样对接班人开炮,只要纳吉能够妥善处理和敦马的关系,即使不能阻止他对巫统的批评,只要成功的将敦马的关注点圈限在某个人身上,相信党内的稳定将能让他更集中处理政务。最近接二连三发生在民联议员身上的问题已逐渐的引起人民的注意和厌烦,纳吉如能展现领导智慧,掌握时机,以大无畏的勇气面对既得利益者的挑战,以破釜沉舟的决心进行改革,在接下来的短短三年里扭转乾坤,虽然前路艰巨,但未必完全没有希望。

周美芬
27/3/09

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

周美芬:研究轉變專業團體‧志工團應與政治脫鉤




星洲日報/大柔佛‧2009.03.23

(柔佛‧居鑾)馬華志工團全國總團長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬表示,志工團體必須和政治脫鉤才能更好的運作,因此她將研究將此團體轉變為類似聖約翰救傷隊的專業團體,從而減少政治色彩。

周美芬是在為柔佛馬華志工團在居鑾舉辦“杜絕骨痛熱症是您我的責任”活動上,如是表示。

她說,志工團從總團長到各區團長都由中央或各地馬華領袖委任,隨著馬華3年一次的黨選,志工團的領導人總在更換,這不是一個健康的現象。

基金會賬目須清楚
“如今我們已經成立一個馬華志工團基金會,這是受中央政府嚴格管制的基金會,所有的賬目必須十分清楚。”

她表示,希望能夠為基金會找一位總裁,協助她管理和發展志工團成為專業團體,並希望和政治脫鉤,讓真正有能力、有興趣的人來領導這個團體,一旦災害發生後就能夠即刻投入救災工作,讓人民感受到志工團的救災速度。

周美芬透露,此志工團將邀請台灣災害防救科技中心8位專家到來為志工進行培訓。

4月24日起進行培訓
她指出,這項培訓將於4月24日至28日,在彭亨州林明進行,而選擇林明是因為當地為大馬的常災中心,此志工團希望在此地設立社區防災的訓練中心。

她說,柔佛州一些地區也經常發生水災,她希望柔州也能儘量多派一些代表參加上述訓練,並且在訓練完畢後回到各自的縣,教導更多的志工,讓他們都能夠獲得提昇。

周美芬透露,志工團未來的目標是聯合各社區組織,在各地成立社區防災系統,預先鑒定社區內的救災中心點、物資領取處等,並且教導民眾在遇到災害時逃生的方向,起到減災的作用,並在災後協助進行重建工作。

陳書北:每週出動滅蚊
柔佛州馬華志工團團長陳書北州議員指出,柔佛州內的骨痛溢血熱症病例居高不下,此志工團從即日起到6月份期間,每週都將出動進行滅蚊工作,希望在走遍全柔後能夠提昇民眾的防範此病症的意識。

他說,這項活動也獲得衛生局的全力配合,提供所有的藥物等配備,惟各個縣仍然缺少滅蚊噴霧機器,希望當局能夠再提供更多的機器。

來自全柔各地的馬華志工聚集在居鑾平民華小,並在此活動上學習如何防範黑斑蚊滋生,以及使用滅蚊噴霧器,並在較後到葉淘沙新村內噴射蚊油。

青年應從政改變亂局


星洲日報‧2009.03.21

(雪蘭莪‧萬撓)馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說,時下青年若覺得本身處於308全國大選之後的政治亂局仍有作為,他們可選擇加入國陣或民聯,並堅持本身的立場去改變政局。

她說,目前的政治局勢看起來很亂,但也不能一竹竿打翻整船人,假如國陣一無是處,國家也不可能會走到今日(週六,3月21日)。

她週六為雪蘭莪州馬華婦女組女青年局2008至2010年度第5次會議兼腦力激盪會議開幕後,在新聞發佈會上受詢及國陣及民聯在308之後陷入政治亂局,馬華婦女組如何確保對政治有所期待的青年不會排斥政治的問題,這麼表示。

她說,馬華婦女組鼓勵有使命感、願意為社會做事、對經濟或科技有興趣者與婦女組接觸,參與婦女組的活動。

她也呼吁女青年局在主辦任何活動時,應開放給男黨員參加,以便互相激勵。

周美芬說,婦女組計劃在全馬招收2萬5000名35歲以下的女黨員,而單單在雪州就有800多個區會,佔黨員人數25%,所以在未來8個月,婦女組計劃在雪州全面招收6500至6700名女黨員。

《产假越长越好?》东方议题报导







产假太长,闷到抓狂 (2)

没有想到一个在电台访问时几乎一面倒反对加长产假的课题,来到了部落格却出现了另一个一面倒支持的现象!一方面觉得欣喜,了解什么叫亲子,什么叫育婴与护儿需要的人终于发声了!只可惜在电台访问时表达持这方面立场的人太少;更可惜的是,从三篇回应的文章看来,其中两篇是没看懂我的文章的,其中caren0421尽然还在回应中用上了“屁”这个字,我想这是让人感觉可悲的!有不同的意见,让我们好好的谈,何必口出污言呢?

我必须说明的是,我们不能忽视社会上有太多人其实对:“产后夫妻、亲子关系、如何处理产妇产后忧郁、儿童健康与护理等课题并不了解”因此提议加强醒觉教育并没有错,请别因为个人的情况而过于生气一并否决!对身体健康并不好哦!

我感谢您提出了社会上有许多收入少的家庭如果在60天后仍需更长的产假需要申请无薪假期的话可能会影响家庭生计,也同意这是必须受到考虑的重点之一,解决的办法可以让家庭收入低于某个数额者享有附加福利 – 如更长的有薪产假,而有关的“最低数额”也必须按时下城乡消费指数计算。

除此,我提出了:“把目前国内公务员在一生中可按特定情况申请连续或特定期限但总数最长不得超过5年的无薪产假的利益,在经过更全面的检讨与增删或修改后加入劳工法令,延伸至私人界,可能更符合目前的要求!”这个建议是让大家可以可以灵活的按个人所需进行调整,让需要的享有,不需要的无需申请,除了公务员享有这种福利,也确保更多的非公务员的需求同样得到照顾,不是很好吗?

其实,每当我们为女性争取权益时,我们不得不考虑到有关建议所可能带来的一些后遗症,如果强制增加产假会否引起更多的职场性别歧视问题,导致做老板的更不愿意聘请女性员工,最近接到一些个案,某些老板因经济萧条已开始拿孕妇开刀,规定产“夫”也必须拿一定时日的产假,反正请男请女工作都必须给产假,会不会是解决方法呢?

GchiN 说我只是站在自己的立場說自己的話,完全不會顧大局和人民,講出來的話也沒思考全面,真是一種悲哀。 我只能说:“我的立场是我尊重您的表达权,但不苟同您“谴责性”的讨论方式!让我们回归文明吧!”

我并不强迫大家接受我的看法和意见,我也认为每个人会因为个人的生活背景而对许多课题存有不同的盲点,因此意见是可以在出现了更具说服力的看法时作出修正的,否则国会也无需不断的修改法案,以更符合时代需求!

欢迎您大家针对产假继续提供意见,大家的意见将作为我们未来向有关当局表达或提出有关课题意见时的参考! 谢谢。

Saturday, March 21, 2009

产假太长, 闷到抓狂?

拨云见日(47)

产假到底应该多长?
产假的长短应该以什么作为标准?

  • 以产妇生产后 ‘坐月子’ 调养需要一个月为准?
  • 以婴儿出世后首一百日最脆弱而需要密切的照顾为准?
  • 以国际劳工公约 1952年《孕产妇保护公约(第103号)》规定:在工业企业中工作或从事非工业职业和农业职业———包括在家作工作职工的妇女应该享有最少十二周的假期为标准?或是仿效:
  • 瑞典,每生1个孩子夫妻加在一起可享受16个月的带薪产假 或
  • 美国只保证3个月的不带薪产假 或
  • 像邻国新加坡,产妇的有薪产假,从12个星期增加到16个星期,同时可以在孩子出生第一年的任何时候提出申请。还是
  • 马来西亚除了60天的有薪产假外,目前让公务员在一生中可因特定情况申请连续或特定期限但总数最长不得超过5年的无薪产假?

做父亲的是不是也应该享有产假或育儿假?

  • 三天够吗?
  • 还是7天?又或是仿效:
  • 日本允许男性在孩子出生之后享受长达一年的假期。但休“产假”的男士们只能拿到平时薪水的一小部分?或
  • 按照英国现行规定,产妇可以享有12个月产假。女方生下孩子6个月后便可以选择返回工作岗位,把余下6个月产假留给丈夫或男友。即使男方并非孩子生父,也可以享受这一权利?

本人最近接受AiFM的邀请和公众讨论这个课题,结果节目期间和节目后得到的回应几乎是一面倒的认为产假60天已足够,甚至有女士投诉两个月太长,闷到抓狂!她们和他们的理由莫衷一是,包括:

  • 坐月子的产妇不需要照顾孩子,因为照顾孩子是陪月婆的工作,所以一个月已经够了!
  • 离开工作岗位太久,回去时可能跟不上;
  • 很多现代女性其实只休息一个月,过后就迫不及待的利用剩余的产假去SHOPPING,扮靓靓!
  • 有些人年头生一个,年尾生一个,再加长产假?还有时间做工?雇主岂不被“搵笨”?
  • 男人哪里会有耐性照顾孩子,3天都闷到抓狂了,不是听说有男人利用产假去合艾快活吗?
  • 照顾孩子是女人的事,男士下班准时回家看孩子就好了,那需要产假?

哈!既然几乎一面倒的都不认为“育儿”、“护儿”、“亲子”、“夫妻分担与分享”在产后关键时期需要一段较长而不受干扰的共处时间,可以预料,即使产假加长了也不会得到赞赏与认同,甚或可能滥用了享有的假期!我想妇女、家庭及社会发展部宜慎重考虑是否需要撤回争取加长产假至90天的建议,或是把目前国内公务员在一生中可按特定情况申请连续或特定期限但总数最长不得超过5年的无薪产假的利益,在经过更全面的检讨与增删或修改后加入劳工法令,延伸至私人界,可能更符合目前的要求!

与此同时,民众对:产后夫妻、亲子关系、如何处理产妇产后忧郁、儿童健康与护理等课题的醒觉显然还得加强,且是当务之急!

周美芬
20/3/09

Monday, March 16, 2009

反貪委會查Pempena‧周美芬:是我投报

转载自星洲日报: 2009-03-15 18:28

周美芬(右3)、惠愚法師(右2)與虔誠的信徒向觀音聖像進行點燈儀式。

(雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也)針對大馬旅遊局屬下Pempena私人有限公司被反貪污委員會調查的事件,馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬表示,在去年12月的时候,是她向反贪污局投报的。
“在进行部整合的时候,我们发现一些可能涉及及滥权的事件,所以在当时部长的认同下,决定投报。”

周美芬也是Pempena前執行主席,她是在去年12月31日辭職。

被调查意料中事
她说,这是意料中事。
她今日(週日,3月15日)出席千百家佛教居士林觀音像推介禮時表示,她在任職期間,只是進行這間公司第一階段的重振與改善工作。虧損事件是在她加入之前發生的。

“我們聘請了著名會計公司普華永道(PRICE WATERHOUSE COOPERS)進行業務審查與檢討,並展開第一階段的重振計劃。

至於是否有濫權,周美芬表示,就由反貪污委員會進行調查。

詢及會否被反貪污委員會調查,她表示就算被調查,也只是詢問一些她知道的資料。

雪民聯議員呈報個人財產周美芬質疑透明度
針對雪州民聯議員呈報個人財產的做法,周美芬認為,這是個很好的示範,但也質疑當中的透明程度。

“他們只呈報個人的財產,那至親的財務狀況呢?如果只是呈報個人的財產,那會有很大的遐想空間。”

至於即將到來的3場補選,她說,馬華會全力配合,以協助國陣助選。

婦女組中委到選區助選她透露,3月27與28日,馬華婦女組中委將到吉打武吉士南卯及霹靂武吉甘當這兩個選區,進行助選工作。

另一方面,,她宣佈捐1000令吉給千百家佛教居士林,作為建設位於DAMANSARA PERDANA另一間禪進中心。

她也希望熱心人士,響應募捐活動。

Wanita MCA to help in by-elections

The Star News: Monday March 16, 2009

THE Wanita MCA will be stationing its members to help out at the upcoming by-elections, said its chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

“We will station members at the launch of the by-election campaign at Bukit Selambau on March 27 and Bukit Gantang on March 28,” she said after launching the Guan Yin Bamboo Groove at the Chempaka Buddhist Lodge (CBL) yesterday.

Commenting on the issue of declaring assets, she said it was a good practice but questioned the level of transparency.


Joining in: Chew (left) joining the devotees in the ceremonies during the launch.

Many devotees thronged the Buddhist lodge as the launch also coincided with the Bodhisattva Guan Yin’s birthday celebrations.

CBL president Liew Chang Huat said the Guan Yin Bamboo Groove project, which began in 2007, is partly complete and the work for the beautification of the surroundings and the installation of 33 forms of Guan Yin images was still in process.

The Chempaka Buddhist Lodge is looking for 1,000 sponsors for the Guan Yin Bamboo Groove project at RM1,000 per sponsor.

There will also be a charity concert on June 6 at SJK (C) Yuk Chai to raise funds for the Chempaka Welfare Home.

“We hope to buy the house next to the home to provide more space for the children,” Liew said.
The home, situated next to CBL, occupies two houses. It will cost about RM525,000 to buy the adjoining unit.


CBL can be contacted at 03-7880 3936.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

暂时让理智休息

拨云见日(46)

最近有机会和某大学校长聊天,他有点感慨的说,看最近国内发生的事件,他觉得许多人似乎已处在一种让个人理智暂时休息的状态!

是的!人是有理智的动物,然而一般人的理智却会轻易的受到情绪的牵动,因此当极度愤怒时会故意让它休息、当被操弄而不自知时会暂时失去了它、 当维护“弱者”的同情心生时会突然间忘记了它。

最近我在某个场合讲了一句:“目前国阵正处在一种无论您说什么都是错的情况!”的话,本版的一位作者昭雪说:“周美芬不懂人民的心”,仔细读其文章发现她的心态其实就印证了我的话:“不管国阵说什么,都是不对的!”

我这句话有责备人民的意思吗?没有,这是我对目前国阵所处局势的一种体会,就因为这种体会,我了解目前国阵政府最重要的是多做惠民惠国的事以挽回民心,而挽回民心绝对不是一朝一夕的事,但请别否决我们的发言权!如果今天大家期望国阵的党员只能自省而不能监督,那两线制意义何在?(事实上最近国阵领袖或党员批评与检讨国阵的情况并不比民联批评国阵的少,不是吗?)

最近驾车经过通往白沙罗华小的丽阳镇那条来往各一条车道的弯曲小路时,记得白小迁校事件闹得沸沸扬扬时,有一位现任的州行政议员当时言之凿凿的告诉报界,根据他得到的可靠消息,有关道路未来将发展成通往双溪毛儒的大道!几年后的今日重新翻阅有关报导,啼笑皆非。然而当时,为了他的这一句话,我和董家教成员都承受了极大的舆论压力!

走进新白小那36间课室,占地共6.3英亩的堂皇校舍,忆起同一位政治人物当时拿了一把尺去量校地后通告天下,白小丽阳镇的校地只有0.68英亩比原校校地0.8英亩还小! 哈哈,如果他有机会再重看这份报导,不知道是否会脸红呢?

小时候我们在学校上公民课,现在学生上道德教育,读伟人或领袖生平故事时老师告诉我们这些人多伟大,他们的道德品格高尚,值得学习。因此我们从小就把这些人当成英雄,当成学习的对象!但是,今天,我们说能力与品格是两回事,确实,如果您不是被当成学习或楷模来学习的对象的话,您的私隐谁有空管!但如果您的身份不小心被归类为人民楷模与学习对象的话,对不起,你只能慨叹入错行!

上述的例子其实和我们尊贵的内政部长说用ISA对付记者陈云清是为了保护她一样的可笑,人们当下对事件的反应和看法,差别只在于当时我们的理智是处于关机、振动、静音或没有频率的状态!

周美芬
13/3/09

Friday, March 13, 2009

Wanita MCA Lauds Mini Budget, but wants Women’s Needs addressed

Press Statement by Wanita MCA in response to the RM 60 billion stimulus package

Wanita MCA welcomes the recently announced second stimulus package of RM60 billion ringgit. It is a timely budget as it reflects the government’s recognition on the severity of the impact of the economic crisis on Malaysians, in particular addressing rising unemployment and retrenchment.

While it is commendable that there is a targeted-based budget of RM830 million allocated to the less fortunate which includes the elderly, disabled and single mothers, however, it merely constitutes 1.38% of the RM60 billion stimulus package.

The specific needs of women (with the exception of single mothers) during the economic crisis appear to be overlooked. We feel that it is important that each thrusts of the stimulus package takes into account different roles, needs and interests of women and men reflecting Malaysia’s national and international commitment to promoting gender equality and equity.

From past records of economic crisis, women are highly vulnerable to retrenchment given their predominant participation in the ‘feminised’ industries such as administrative and electronics sectors. Also, there was a recorded sharp increase in reported domestic violence (DV) cases during the economic downturn. Even though women are vulnerable in terms of DV and retrenchment in the midst of economic crisis; however women are always resilient contributors in times of financial crisis. Often, women engage themselves in small businesses such as cooking, sewing, handicrafts etc which reflect women’s determination and persistence in steering the family out of the pit. Thus, it is evident that women are the pillar of strength in the family in protecting the family and in overcoming hardships.

We would like to see further policies being implemented under the stimulus package in particular the following:

1. Training and New Employment Opportunities for Women
In view that the stimulus package which provides training programmes on ‘hard skills’ such as electrical and electronics, welding, robotics and construction which cater predominantly to men, we propose the provision of training/ vocational training (which includes re-skilling and re-training) which are ‘soft skills’-oriented for women. In addition, we recommend an additional process of ensuring/ seeing through women in getting job placements after training (re-skilling or re-training).

2. Special grant/ fund for women interested in small scale business
In view of the high commercial interest rate for micro-credit financing between 18-24%, we propose that the current Skim Jaminan Usahawan Kecil which provides funds for SME as working or start-up capital to extend its funds specific (a special grant) to women who are interested in small scale business/ hawker industry.

3. Improve safety net for domestic violence (DV) victim-survivors
In view of the alarming trend of economic crisis and rising domestic violence, we propose that the Government improve safety net for domestic violence victim survivors through the following:
(i) Increase grant of registered shelter homes (both government and private) for DV victim-survivors
(ii)Increase budget allocation for awareness-raising campaigns/ programmes that “DV is a crime” and to encourage reporting with the aim of reducing incidences of DV.

4. Child Care subsidy for all who fulfil eligibility
To extend child care subsidy to all who fulfil the current eligibility of household income below RM2,000.00 (urban) and RM1,200.00 (rural) and not only limited to civil servants.

We need to also attend to needs of women who work in the private sector who may similarly benefit from a child care subsidy to lighten their burden in addition to increasing disposable income of the household.

5. Cash Incentive of RM2, 000.00 per year for senior citizens
While the government savings bond does not preclude senior citizens, however 1) senior citizens may not be able to compete with those who are young, 2) returns from the savings bond ranges from RM12.50 (RM1, 000.00 savings) to maximum of RM625.00 (RM50, 000.00 savings) every three months and 3) it may only serve to benefit a small number of people who are able to seize the opportunity but not those who are vulnerable. In addition, in view of the markedly low interest rates and high inflation, senior citizens who primarily rely upon return from their savings would be greatly affected. We thus recommend a cash incentive of RM2,000.00 per year to senior citizens of age 60 years and above.

It is our fervent hope that the government would take into account specific needs and interests of women and senior citizen in the implementation of this stimulus package and in the planning and implementation of future national budgets.

马华妇女组呼吁政府在执行经济配套时必须照顾女性的需求和利益

文告

马华妇女组对政府宣布拨出600亿的迷你预算案刺激经济配套表示欢迎。

这项合乎时宜的重要宣布,显示政府正视全球金融危机对马来西亚的重大冲击,不惜动用史无前例的庞大资金来对抗节节上升的失业率和裁员浪潮。

遗憾的是,预算案中只拨出了相等于600亿令吉的1.38%的8亿3千万令吉作为扶助弱势群体,包括老年人、残障人士和单亲妈妈等的用途。

这项刺激经济的配套,忽略了妇女(除了单亲妈妈)的需求。马华妇女组认为,有关的经济配套必须同时照顾到女性的不同需求和利益,以反映马来西亚对促进性别平等的努力。

过去的经济危机显示,妇女往往是裁员浪潮下的最大受害群体,尤其是在以妇女为主要劳动力的领域如行政工作和电子业更为明显。另一方面,数据也显示家庭暴力案件会随着经济不景气而剧增。无论如何,妇女却往往在在经济不景气时扮演协助家庭度过经济难关的重要角色,她们以烹饪、缝纫、制作手工艺品等技术赚取家庭生活费,因此,妇女可说是家庭的重要经济支柱,在家庭面对生活压力时扮演关键角色。

马华妇女组呼吁政府在执行上述经济配套时,应考虑以下六项措施:

1. 为妇女提供培训及新工作机会
经济配套中多提供的技术训练以男性的“硬技术”如电子行业、烧焊、机械和建筑业等为主,因此马华妇女组建议政府增加适合女性参与的软技述(Soft-skills)培训课程并建立一套有效机制,以确保培训后的妇女可以找到工作。

2. 为有兴趣从事小型生意的妇女提供特别奖掖
由于金融机构的微型贷款的利率高达18-24%,马华妇女组建议,目前为中小型企业者提供资金的小型企业家辅助金(Skim Jaminan Usahawan Kecil),为有兴趣从事小型生意或熟食生意的妇女提供更多的特别奖掖。

3. 为家庭暴力受害者提供安全保护网
由于经济不景气,预料家庭暴力案件也会随着增加,马华妇女组建议政府加强为家庭暴力受害者而设的安全保障:
(i) 增建为家庭暴力受害者而设的庇护所 ;
(ii)增加防范家庭暴力醒觉运动的拨款,以减少家庭暴力的发生。

4. 托儿津贴
将已提供给家庭月收入在RM2000以下(城市区)和RM1200以下(乡区)公务员家庭的托儿津贴扩大到提供给符合上述资格,并在私人界上班的所有家庭的女性职员,以减轻她们的生活负担,并增加她们的家庭净收入。

5. 每年为60岁以上公民提供2000令吉的现金辅助
政府虽然推出了储蓄债券,但由于(1)年老公民无法与年轻人竞争;(2)从储蓄债券每三个月所获得的回酬只是区区的RM12.50(储蓄RM1000)到RM625(储蓄RM50,000)之间,根本是杯水车薪;(3)只能惠及一小部分人,限制了其他弱势群体的机会。另一方面,在利率低下和高通膨的情况下,那些依赖储蓄来获得利息回酬的年老公民将受到很大的影响。因此,马华妇女组建议政府每年为60岁或以上的年老公民提供2000令吉的现金津贴。

马华妇女组热切冀望政府将慎重考虑上述惠及妇女和年老公民的建议,并在执行刺激经济配套和指定国家预算案的过程中,将之纳入考量之内,以利惠全民。

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Ministry told to watch out for firms laying off women

The Star News, Tuesday March 10, 2009

IPOH: Wanita MCA has called on the Human Resources Ministry to be on the lookout for companies that have laid off women first in the current economic slowdown.

Its chief, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, said the wing had received complaints of companies taking the opportunity to retrench more women instead of men.

“Women who are married or pregnant normally top the list of those retrenched,” she said at a dinner here on Sunday in conjunction with the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Perak Wanita MCA.

Chew said women should be treated equally to men.

“The Human Resources Ministry should seriously look into gender equality to protect women,” she said.

She also said that as more women tend to be factory workers than men, they were more affected in the economic crisis.

周美芬:偷拍事件頻傳‧應制定法令保障隱私

星洲日報‧2009.03.10

許勇立向張天賜及周美芬解釋和示范如何預防被偷拍。(圖:星洲日報)

(吉隆坡)由於時下偷拍成風,馬華全國婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬希望政府儘快制定“隱私法令”,以讓人民受到保障。

周美芬今日(週二,3月10日)下午應馬華公共服務及投訴部主任拿督張天賜之邀,出席新聞發佈會時作出上述建議。

根據馬華公共服務及投訴部的數據顯示,從2005年至今共接获18宗有關被偷拍的投訴個案,90%的受害者是年齡介於20至41歲的女性,而學院生占多數,當中僅有2宗的受害者是男性。

周美芬說,科技發達導致隱私被侵犯,因此女性應該有預防或防範的方式,以免成為針孔偷拍器的受害者。她對女性需使用偵察器來自我保護而感到可悲。

她說,目前大馬只有1955年輕微罪刑法令對付偷拍者,最高刑罰只是罰款100令吉,這是無效的懲罰,至於2002年電檢法令及刑事法典292(出售猥瑣書籍)都不是特定保障人民隱私的法令。
“我希望政府可效仿美國、加拿大等國家,儘快制定‘隱私法令’。”

張天賜:到公共場合須小心
另一方面,張天賜說,安裝偷拍器的地方大多數是在浴室、睡房、更衣室及酒店房間等,因此他促請公眾到公共場合時要特別注意,或使用科技發達的偵察器,以確這些地方是安全的。

此外,張天賜也邀請了相關業者的代表,現身教導公眾如何預防被偷拍或使用偵察器。

其中一名業者代表許勇立(科技技術工程師)說,偷拍者把針孔或微型錄像機安裝在隱密處,因此公眾不易發現,但公眾可使用偵察器來探測周圍環境,若有發現類似針孔或微型錄像機等,偵察器馬上都會發出聲音。

他說,偵察器的價钱從50至1000令吉不等,因此他促請公眾,尤其是女性購買一個隨身攜帶,以防萬一。

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Wanita MCA congratulates Bar Council President being bestowed "International Women of Courage Award."

Press Statement issued by Wanita MCA National Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun:

Wanita MCA National Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun today extended the party’s heartiest congratulations to Bar Council President Dato’ Ambiga Srenevasan for being named by the US State gDepartment as one of only eight recipients of the 2009 “International Women of Courage Award.” She received her award on Monday from US Secretary of State H.E. Hillary Rodham Clinton in Washington.

“Being among eight esteemed women selected for the Courage Award is indeed a rare achievement for Malaysia. It shows that Malaysian women are recognized in the international arena for having the courage in taking a firm stand on national issues like judicial independence, gender equality, media or religious freedoms, good governance, public delivery, transparency, misimplementation of the ISA or race relations for the betterment of our society. As recipient of the Courage Award, Dato’ Ambiga’s efforts should not only be viewed as that from a gender perspective as a woman, but as a Malaysian individual who champions justice and equality.”

“In hosting seminars and discourses through Bar Council on issues deemed sensitive, Dato’ Ambiga has always sought to reach a workable solution. The Bar Council President has always been resolute in her convictions in not wavering to any form of pressure even amidst a not-too-friendly audience. “Without fear or favour, Dato’ Ambiga has clearly demonstrated her talent in seeking to tackle these difficult issues. Dato’ Ambiga has performed all these tasks well while balancing her responsibilities as a working professional, wife and mother.”

“As a party that consistently promulgates equal rights and justice irrespective of gender, race, religion or class, MCA is cognizant of the impact of women’s role in striving towards the advancement of our nation and civil society for equality and giving the voiceless a voice in all areas as mentioned above. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, MCA hopes that more and more Malaysian women will aspire to emulate the distinct leadership qualities which Dato’ Ambiga is endowed with.”

周美芬:享權益符合需求男女平等並不難



中国报 9/3/2009

國際婦女組節之巾幗之約

(怡保9日訊)馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出,真正的男女平等是按照男女兩性與生俱來的心理及生理需求,及所應享有的權力及便利,盡管有時妳七他三或妳三他七,但只要能符合人性需求,這就視為平等了。

她勸請男人,不要擔心女人強,女人強是要與你一起打拼及分擔。女性要固打制,並非因沒有才華要得到特別關注,而是因為有才華,要得到公平機會。

周美芬昨晚在怡保,為馬華霹州婦女組主辦及十大鄉團婦女組協辦的“國際婦女組節之巾幗之約”致開幕詞時,這么說。

見識女性本領
她說,根據過去一份研究報告顯示,女性在經濟不景氣時面對的挑戰,比男性嚴峻,因此女性此時應勇敢站起來。

“在經濟不景氣時,工廠及電子業女工雖然佔據多數,但也有雇主懷有歧視之心,拒絕聘請新婚女性或懷有身孕的女性。”

她認為,企業界的男性領導應對女性改觀,學習認識女性的本領,因為許多女性在各領域都有不錯表現,包括政治活動。

她說,許多女性在現今經濟不景氣之時,以本身的知識和本領開創事業,協助男性在此時減輕生活上的負擔。

“自3月8日訂為婦女節后,女性就被形容為三八,我覺得三八的貶意多過表揚之意,且今天的女性與以前不同,因女性要照顧好家庭、事業及參政,已沒空串門子。”
馬華霹靂州婦女組主席王賽芝上議員說,大馬已為貫徹兩性平等及消除性別歧視而做了承諾,即在聯邦憲法第8(2)條文的修改,禁止任何人基于性別的任何形式的歧視,就是一項在本地貫徹兩性平等的清楚聲明。

她說,在國際方面,國內自1995年開始,作為消除所有形式的女性歧視大會的簽署人,必須落實兩性平等及消除性歧視的精神。

Monday, March 9, 2009

周美芬欢迎并支持玻璃市拉惹的开明言论

文告:
马华玻璃市州联委会主席周美芬欢迎并支持玻璃市拉惹的开明言论,即在马来西亚,每个种族都是国家的主人;殿下也说,每个大马人都享有平等的地位。殿下的开明思维,让全体玻州子民感到欣慰。

“我必须重申,所有马来西亚子民都是这片国土的主人,因此每个国民都应该享有平等的权利和机会。这个立场也符合我早前针对马来人主权课题引发争议时所发表的言论。”

周美芬强调,任何自居为支配者,并把他族视为被支配者的政客,就是殿下所谓的以狭隘思维来达到个人目的之人士,而这类政客将毫无疑问的遭人民唾弃。

马华玻璃市州联委会呼吁全民向殿下开明的心胸看齐,抛弃狭隘和极端的种族主义思维,贯彻真正的马来西亚国民精神,不分种族、宗教、性别、年龄或社会地位的对所有大马子民一视同仁,以建立和谐共享、友爱互重的多元社会。

马华创党至今,一直都以提倡多元包容、追求各族平等作为斗争理念。创党人敦陈祯禄曾说明:“马华公会的斗争,不是只为华人,而是为一切马来亚人”。现任总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰最近也宣布,马华的转型主轴之一是拼和谐共享社会,重新定位及打造健康的种族和谐关系。

作为马华母体的强力臂膀,玻璃市州联委会将义不容辞的为马华的斗争理念而打拼,以建立一个和谐共享、各族平等的进步社会为目标。

Chew Mei Fun fully supporting the Raja of Perlis remarks that "in Malaysia, every race is tuan."

10 March 2009

Press Statement issued by MCA Perlis Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun welcoming remarks by the Raja of Perlis that “in Malaysia, every race is tuan.”

MCA Perlis fully supports Raja of Perlis remarks that “in Malaysia, every race is tuan”

MCA Perlis Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun today welcomed the remarks by the Raja of Perlis DYMM Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Syed Jamalullail that “in Malaysia, every race is tuan”. Mei Fun said that “MCA Perlis fully supports the open mindedness of Tuanku, the Raja of Perlis. Tuanku’s remarks provide reassurances not only to Perlis residents, but to all Malaysians as well.”

Mei Fun accentuated that “in our nation, every Malaysia is a tuan in this country. Therefore, every citizen should enjoy an equal rights and opportunities.” Recalling that MCA’s position on equal rights and opportunities has never wavered, she took to task “people who assume themselves as superior and look down on other races as subservient - these are the people who hold personal agendas. This type of narrow-minded politicians will be rejected by the people.”

Mei Fun who is also the Wanita MCA national Chairman then urged all Malaysians to learn from the Raja of Perlis’ wisdom which fully reflects the Malaysian values of peace and mutual appreciation. “We should remove narrow-minded extremist racist views and uphold the spirit of Rakyat Malaysia, that is, all Malaysian citizens are equal irrespective of race, religion, age, gender or social status. Malaysians should move forward in building a harmonious society based on power sharing, mutual respect for each other.”

As 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of MCA’s inauguration, Mei Fun reminded that, “Since MCA formation in 1949 till today, MCA has upheld and continues to uphold the spirit of multiracial struggle with equal rights for all races as our main objective.” She highlighted MCA founding father Tun Tan Cheng Lock’s quote that “the Malayan Chinese Association motto is NOT ‘for Chinese only’ but ‘for all Malayans.’”

Reflecting on the speech by MCA President Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat at the party’s 60th anniversary celebrations last week, the Wanita MCA chief re-emphasized MCA’s transformation process. “MCA will be fearless in championing equal opportunities and a level playing field, not only for the Chinese community, but for all Malaysians.”

/End

女導遊受要脅簽願與男同事同房文件

中国报 07 March 2009

(吉隆坡7日訊)馬來西亞女導遊協會主席呂秀敏揭露,一些旅行社以失去工作機會為由,威脅女導遊簽署願意與男同事同房的文件。

她說,雖然旅遊部已在去年初,針對女導遊被迫在執行任務時,與男同事同房一事,向所有旅行社發出警告信,但無法有效遏止這種現象。

呂秀敏今日通過馬華婦女組召開記者會,這么指出。出席者包括馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬。

不被同行認同
周美芬說,旅遊部秘書長已同意針對此投訴,近期召集旅遊業者開會討論。

“希望旅遊業者嚴格看待旅遊部發出的警告信,也希望酒店業者仿傚越南、中國、柬埔寨、泰國、印尼和日本等國做法,依據性別,為不同的旅遊工作者提供各別住宿。

另一方面,馬來西亞女導遊協會早在去年12月26日,正式獲得旅遊部的官方認可證書,成為國內其中一個受承認的導遊協會,即會員可以協會名義申請更新執照。

她指出,雖然女導遊協會已在去年2月8日,獲得社團注冊局批准信,但至今仍有許多同行將女導遊協會,視為非法組織,甚至禁止旗下女導遊參與女導遊協會。

周美芬:勿袖手旁觀“站出來舉報家暴”



中国报: March 8, 2009
(馬六甲8日訊)馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說,制裁家暴案的法律是用以對付施暴者,但仍有多人選擇袖手旁觀,不願挺身而出投報身邊的個案。

她說,任何人無論是受害者鄰居或親朋戚友,都應勇于站出來舉報身邊發生的家庭暴力事件,同時家中的男女都有責任對抗和阻止自己的子女,淪為家暴受害者。

周美芬今早為馬華甲州婦女組,舉行的“38婦女節.巾幗之約”嘉年華主開幕時,這么說。

她也說,不排除仍有許多女性抱著嫁雞隨雞、嫁狗隨狗的觀念,遭遇家暴案時忍氣吞聲,并相信若獲真實的個案投報,所作出的統計數目將大大增加。



應善用法律
“許多受害者長期淪為家暴受害者,在報案后仍有憐惜之心,害怕對方受法律制裁而銷案或放棄對他們的指控。”

較早時,周美芬也認同馬華中央政治教育局主任顏炳壽,指回教法庭無權宣判孩子撫養權給任何一方的言論。

她說,婚姻離異或孩子問題,都屬民事法律裁決範圍,也是父母責任,因此回教法庭不應單方面宣判孩子撫養權。

她指出,孩子宗教信仰,在法律上是由孩子雙方父母親自決定,若在程無法達成一致,則應保持孩子的宗教信仰,直到孩子成年后自行決定。

周美芬針對回教法庭日前作出的一項裁決,將森州一名15個月大的女嬰撫養權,在父親毫無之情下,宣判給母親一事,發表談話。

女性領袖比率仍難追上男性
“38婦女節.巾幗之約”嘉年華籌委會主席林瑞娟說,雖然我國擁有許多婦女領袖領導著各區域,但以性別比率還是遠不如男性。

她說,我國的婦女組織或婦權運動,比起其他發展國家,還有長遠的路要走,因此女性不應還圍繞著舊思想觀念,沒給自己機會,永遠停留在從前。

“婦女不應老是怪社會沒給機會,應想想自己到底給了自己多少機會,用多余時間做了什么?”
較早時,林氏也感謝20個聯辦團體參與今次的“38婦女節.巾幗之約”嘉年華,并在周美芬帶領下,與所有出席儀式的婦女組織代表,共切慶賀38婦女節100週年的蛋糕。

Female guides: We have to share room with guys

The Star News

Sunday March 8, 2009
Female guides: We have to share room with guys

KUALA LUMPUR: Some tour operators and hoteliers are continuing to disregard a warning issued by the Tourism Ministry in 2006 against forcing women tourist guides to share bedrooms with male guides.

As a result, women tourist guides had no choice but to fork out their own money for accommodation, said Malaysian Women Tourist Guide Association (MWTGA) president Erina Loo Siew Ming yesterday.

“Otherwise, they wouldn’t give us any assignments and we will end up losing our jobs,” she said at a press conference held in conjunction with the association’s third annual general assembly and International Women’s Day at the Malaysia Tourism Centre yesterday.

“Even though the ministry had formally issued a warning to all tour operators in 2006, they continue to ask us to share rooms with our male colleagues because they don’t want to incur extra costs,” said Loo, adding that their counterparts in Vietnam and China faced no such problem.

“We need to ask ourselves if Malaysia, as a civilised society, would want to continue condoning such a practice or do something about it,” said Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

“The practice of room-sharing between genders clearly discriminates against women tour guides in terms of equal job opportunity and equal pay as their net income is less than that of their male colleagues,” said Chew, who is also MWGTA honorary adviser.

She added that the practice also posed a threat to their personal safety, making such women more vulnerable to sexual harassment, or rape.

Women’s Aid Organisation president Meera Samanther said the practice violated the Federal Constitution as Article 8(2) states that no one should be discriminated on the basis of gender.

All Women’s Action Society public education, events and advocacy manager Betty Yeoh said that such practices should change with time, adding that tour operators and hoteliers should not use the fact that “this had been the practice for so long” as an excuse any more.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

International Women's Day Message



International Women’s Day Message
by Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, National Chief of MCA Wanita


This year’s IWD theme for the United Nations: Women and Men united to end Violence against Women and girls is very timely amid global economic crisis as women suffer double insecurities during economic crisis both at work and at home. At work, women are vulnerable in terms of job security, discrimination at work (pregnancy and maternity) and poor working conditions especially in times of financial crisis whilst at home, women are susceptible to violence or even escalated violence where they are expected to cope with mounting pressure from their own job insecurities and that of their male partners’. This theme would be only be meaningful with the support of men in combating violence against women.

There appears to be an alarming trend of economic crisis and rising domestic violence (DV). This is not only visible in other countries such as America where women are 3 times more likely to be abused with male partners who experienced 2 or more periods of unemployment over period of 5 years (2004 study by National Institute of Justice, Jewish Chronicle, 29 Oct 2008) and Australia with a 7 percent increase in the issuance of Apprehended Violence Orders in 2008 from 2005 (The Herald, 29 Jan 2009) but also apparent in Malaysia post 1997 financial crisis when there was a recorded sharp increase in reported DV cases to the police with close to 6,000 cases in 1997 from over 2000 in 1996 and an average of 500 in the 1980s (Ministry of Health Report: Family Violence 1999; Statistics on Women, Family and Social Welfare 2004 and 2006).
The economic crisis in 1983-85 showed that women were more vulnerable given their predominant participation in the ‘feminised’ industries such as electronics and textiles (which constitute half of the retrenched) and administrative services where the largest job cuts were situated (ILO 1998). Similarly in recent times, women workers still primarily bear the brunt of layoffs given that the ‘feminised’ industries such as the electronics (ThaiIndian.com, 23 Dec 2008) and manufacturing (The Star On-line, 4 Jan 2009) are usually first to be hit in the face of economic turmoil. Thus, in difficult times, women are highly subjected to the risk of various forms of violence: physical, emotional, financial, sexual and social abuse.

We honour women’s ever persevering contribution in such trying times in ensuring food security for her family. From past experiences, it is evident that women are the pillar of strength in the family in protecting the family and in overcoming hardships. Even though women are vulnerable in terms of DV and retrenchment in the midst of economic crisis; however women are always resilient contributors in times of financial crisis. Often, women engage themselves into small businesses such as cooking, sewing, handicrafts etc which reflects women’s determination and persistence in steering the family out of the pit.

In view of the double exposure to vulnerabilities, we urge the government to protect and promote rights of women at work and at home through (i) implementing concrete measures to ensure protection of women’s right at work as provided under standard labour provisions and non-discrimination on the basis of gender as stipulated in Article 8(2) Federal Constitution; (ii) strict enforcement on domestic violence and amendment to the current definition of DV to include other forms of abuse and (iii) counselling services to families facing financial hardship.

I would like to encourage all women to continue as a pillar of strength in the family through this difficult time. We, the MCA Wanita endeavour to support women (i) emotionally through its Women and Children Aid Unit which provides para-counseling services and (ii) financially through a project which is in the pipeline aimed at creating programmes for women to gain economic independence.

Chew Mei Fun
National Chairman of Wanita MCA
8th Mac 2009

妇女节献词


马华妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬
妇女节献词


在妇女因全球经济危机而可能面对被裁员失业与家庭暴力激增的双重打击之际,联合国以“男女联手终止对妇女与女童的暴力行为”作为今年的国际妇女节主题是非常符合时宜的。因为解除女性在职场上与在家里所面对的暴力威胁必须获得男性的响应才能有效达致。

家暴案件在经济危机时期出现上升迹象是一项值得关注的发展趋势。根据美国国家公正学院于2008年发表的一项2004年的研究报告显示,拥有在5年内曾遭受两次或以上失业经验男性伴侣的妇女,被其男性伴侣虐待的几率比一般人高出3倍。在我国,1997年金融风暴期间的家暴案例从1996年的2,000宗飙升至6000宗。

在就业方面,1980年代我国经济不景时,由于服务于首当其冲的电子业和纺织业和各类服务业者以女性为主,加上雇主们更斤斤计较于妇女怀孕和生产期的不便,也使到女性成了在经济不景气时被裁员的主要对象,这种现象不但发生在1980年代经济萧条时期,也同样的发生在目前。

虽然如此,我们必须高度肯定与赞扬妇女在艰难时刻为确保家庭温饱而作出的贡献。根据过去的经验,妇女通过经营小生意,包括烹饪、缝纫、手工等,往往成为了家庭面对财务危机时带领家庭走出困境的重要支柱。

有鉴于妇女在经济萧条时期所承受的双重威胁,我们呼吁政府通过以下措施保护妇女在职场和家庭的权益:

1. 通过具体有效的措施与行动,确保职场妇女的权益在劳工法令以及联邦宪法 第8(2)条文的保障下得到充分维护;
2. 严格执行家暴法令;
3. 为因财务危机而出现问题的家庭提供辅导服务。

在这艰难时刻,我们鼓励所有妇女勇敢面对,继续扮演家庭重要支柱的角色。马华妇女组将继续通过属下的妇女儿童援助计划为妇女与女童提供辅导与协助;在经济方面,我们即将推展一项协助妇女就业与创业的计划,强化妇女在财务上的独立自主能力。

最后,祝大家国际妇女节快乐!让我们一齐大声向暴力说“不”!


周美芬
马华妇女组全国主席
8/3/09

Monday, March 2, 2009

Wanita MCA shifts its focus



The Star News : Friday February 27, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita MCA has switched its focus to be actively involved in national issues.
It demonstrated its seriousness in monitoring the implementation of government policies and ensuring good governance when its leaders recently voiced strong opposition against sexist remarks made in Parliament, said movement chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

“The movement has been in existence for 34 years. We must now make changes and start all over again, especially after what we went through in the March 8 general election,” she said in an interview in conjunction with the party’s 60th anniversary celebration on March 1.

Although Wanita MCA was more well known for its social work and match-making singles through the Cupid Club, Chew said the wing was “definitely more than that”.

“Politics is our fundamental objective and it is our goal to help women in this country achieve greater heights in politics,” she said.

Chew said efforts being made by the wing were to attract more young women to join the party. There was even a joint committee with MCA Youth to attract both males and females to participate in politics.

“We will give them specialisation training and ensure that those with potential will have a platform to perform on the political scene,” she said.

Chew said existing members would not be neglected despite the rejuvenation process.

Chew: 'Our goal is to help women in this country achieve greater heights in politics'

“Wanita MCA is not constrained by age. We welcome people from all age groups to join us. We also encourage our members to come out with creative ideas to help develop the movement,” she said.

For women to actively participate in politics, the movement must continue to ensure they are financially independent.

“If women have to constantly worry about their finances; or fret about caring for their children, they will not be able to get involved in politics at all,” she said.

勿在個人利益糾纏‧馬華須朝大方向奮鬥


星洲日報‧2009.03.02

(吉隆坡)馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬週日(3月1日)呼吁黨員看大方向的奮鬥目標,不要一再在一些個人利益的小枝節問題上糾纏不清。

給馬華一個機會轉型
她說,領袖也是人,希望全體黨員、人民和媒體都給馬華一個機會,讓馬華能心無旁鶩的進行轉型和改革的議程。

她認同馬華經過308政治海嘯的衝擊之後,再經不起分裂的打擊的說法。

“馬華有沒有分裂,全看你如何解讀目前的情況,目前,媒體不斷的挖掘這方面的新聞,實際沒有分裂也讓人感覺好像出現分裂。”

她出席馬華60週年黨慶之後受訪時說,在馬華未出現分裂的問題之前,黨員和領袖回應的方式和媒體的處理手法是很關鍵性。

她希望黨員和領袖要有明辨是非的政治智慧,而媒體也要手下留情,讓馬華有空間全面集中心力作出改進。

她表示,週日迎來60年黨慶令她感觸良多,她希望馬華能夠團結一致,因為還有很多大議題和重要事情要去做。

周美芬嚴厲批評國會衝突事件

星洲互動‧2009.02.27

(吉隆坡)馬華全國婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬嚴厲批評週四(2月26日)在國會上演的衝突事件,並呼吁大家回到政治的文明軌道。

她今日(週五,2月27日)發表文告說,巫青與民聯議員在國會神聖的民主殿堂公然上演“鐵公雞”,已為人民做出錯誤的示範,令人蒙羞。

“涉及者的粗野暴行為已讓所有從政者蒙羞、國會再度成為笑柄、從政者的形象則再次受到玷污。”

周美芬也表示,她不苟同行動黨主席卡巴星利用國會議員在國會內享有的免控權,肆意暗示巫青為送子彈給他的禍首。但是,對於巫青的魯莽,及對民主精神缺乏起碼的尊重與認識,並缺乏政治智慧的做法,她同樣感到失望及遺憾。

周美芬会见玻州华团和宗教团体

转载自:马华玻璃市州联委会部落格

玻州马华州联委会主席周美芬在二月二十七日分别在两场交流会中会见了玻州13个华团和35个华人宗教团体领导成员. 玻州马华州联委会也为六间华小争取到一共374千的拨款; 另外5万拨款给玻州华人宗教团体.

在这两场交流会中, 周美芬强调马华从全民的角度看问题, 不分种族的服务,为平权, 均等权益, 维护全民的利益为奋斗方向.凡是合情合理合法的问题都会全力以赴,力争到底. 其实马华已经解决了很多问题. 不过还有人误解马华, 因为马华还是被过去某些负面的印象所拖累. 周美芬鼓励华社把心声通过正确有效的管道传达.

周美芬同时呼吁全体玻州马华成员认真工作. 我们参政是秉承敦陈祯禄的理想, 成为华裔的代言人.马华党员无论面对任何艰难情况都要认定方向, 继续服务全民.

马华在服务上做得很好, 不过人民希望马华在政策上有更好的表现.所以马华不仅要积极的走入群众.还得主动参与政策的制定, 给政府的规划提出意见.主动告诉政府我们要什么.玻州马华已经积极的展开多项计划. 欢迎各界人士登陆玻州马华州联委会部落格发表意见.

首项被大刀阔斧改革的是遴选市议员的制度, 对市议员候选人有更严格的要求. 市议员候选人每年都要经过面试和笔试. 其中测试候选人对党的方向的认识, 服务精神, 执行服务的能力等等.市议员一定要有表现才能蝉联. 他们要好好帮助州议员处理民生问题, 以让州议员能全力问政.

周美芬上任玻州马华州连委会主席三个月至今已经到访玻州五次.每次到来都全天候的工作.她保证每个月都会来玻州最少一次, 各界人士如果有意见或问题都欢迎和她见面.