Thursday, November 26, 2009

The Gender Trap – Women, Violence and Poverty




SPEECH by YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

@ LAUNCH OF AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL’S BRIEFING PAPER “THE GENDER TRAP — WOMEN VIOLENCE AND POVERTY on 25th Nov 2009, Annexe Galery, Central Market, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

A very good afternoon to all of you.

It is a privilege to be with you today to launch the Amnesty International’s Briefing Paper “The Gender Trap – Women, Violence and Poverty” in conjunction with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. Before we start, I would like to thank and congratulate Amnesty International Malaysia for organising this meaningful event. Indeed, I am pleased to be here today to receive the International Report of The Gender Trap – Women, Violence and Poverty. The report we hold today, I believe, is important for every one of us here to hasten efforts and call for immediate actions to achieve gender equality and the realization of women’s rights.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The issue of poverty in women and violence against women have been on the international, regional and national agendas for over a decade. However, despite all the immerse efforts that have been taken, women are still suffer discrimination and disproportionately affected by poverty. Statistics show that more than 70 per cent of people living in the poverty are women, women’s nominal wages are 17 per cent lower than men’s, at least 60 million girls in Asia are ‘missing’ due to prenatal sex selection, and about 80 per cent of trafficked persons are women and girls every year.

Undeniably, discrimination, poverty in women and gender-based violence are inter-connected that put women in disadvantaged position. These are the causes that hindered the full realization of women’s rights. And these are the causes that limit women’s access to economic, politics, decision-making opportunities as well as social life. This year, as you all know, we were celebrating International Women’s Day with the theme “Women and Men United to End Violence against Women and Girls. It delivers an important message that we must stop the habitual and socially ingrained violence that destroys health, perpetuates poverty and prevents us from achieving women’s equality and empowerment. With the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), more systematic and concerted efforts should be taken by the state parties to ensure full compliance with its provisions.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Government has taken various measures through the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development to achieve the realization of gender equality in Malaysia. In Malaysia, eliminating violence against women, where there is zero tolerance, is a priority of the Government. The statistics from the Royal Malaysian Police shows that the number of reported cases of domestic violence has been increased from 3,264 cases in 2006 to 3,769 in 2008. As of June 2009, 1,820 cases have been reported. With regard to this, the Government has taken various efforts and steps to eliminate violence against women. Among the measures taken include amending legislation and creating awareness on the importance of addressing the issue of violence against women. The Government has also enacted the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act in 2007 to provide among others protection and rehabilitation for trafficked victims. In addition, the Domestic Violence Act 1994 is being amended to enhance the effectiveness of the Act.

In Budget 2010, the Government through the Department of Women’s Development and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia will provide skills training and entrepreneurship programmes to more than 3,000 women to assist women and eradicate poverty among women. With the formulation of National Policy on Women and its Plan of Action, measures will be continued taken by the Government together with other stakeholders to ensure the achieving of gender equality and women empowerment. The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development nevertheless will continue to review existing laws and regulations that discriminate women and hinder the empowerment of women.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Every woman has her rights. Every woman should be free from discrimination. It is the responsibility of everyone here to ensure women are free from violence, discrimination and poverty trap. Today, we are going to start our 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence. And I urge our men, work together with women to end all forms of violence against women.

Finally, allow me to congratulate and commend the efforts of Amnesty International for producing the report. With that note, I launch the Amnesty International’s Briefing Paper “The Gender Trap – Women, Violence and Poverty”.

Thank you.

周美芬:重選是基層心聲‧不輕易放棄1128特大

星洲日報‧2009.11.24

廖派領袖與芙蓉區會及林茂區會領袖進行特大匯報會。右起森馬青署理團長蕭開文、尤綽韜、周美芬、賴日輝、吳紹閥、林茂區會署理主席李光輝及何國忠等。(圖:星洲日報)

(森美蘭‧芙蓉)馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出,1128特大迄今仍在進行中,不會因為任何勢力的協調而改變,除非有關方面能夠確保馬華在短時間內重選,否則特大將如期進行。

她表示,雖然副首相丹斯里慕尤丁為馬華協商,可是,馬華重選是基層的主權,也是基層的意願,召開特大的機會是絕對不會輕易放棄的。

副首相協調非干預
“基層的心聲是要黨領導層重選,副首相只是充作協調而非干預,兩者之間差別很大;因此,除非確定馬華會儘快重選,否則特大勢在必行,更何況,馬華也沒有主動邀請巫統協調馬華事務。”

周美芬週一(11月23日)晚上出席在芙蓉舉行的1128特大匯報會時向記者這麼說。匯報會獲得約40位芙蓉區會及林茂區會領袖及中央代表出席,包括芙蓉區會主席拿督賴日輝、林茂區會主席拿督吳紹閥等。

出席匯報會的廖派領袖包括馬華婦女組署理主席拿督尤綽韜、高教部副部長何國忠及中委王乃志等。副總會長拿督斯里廖中萊及馬青總團長拿督魏家祥缺席。

芙蓉匯報會反應佳
周美芬也說,繼森州馬口的匯報會之後,這次森州舉行的第二場匯報會,獲得中央代表及基層的良好反應,大家都認為馬華必須重選,而且也熱烈響應一人一元活動。

針對森州馬華主席拿督姚再添沒有出席匯報會,周美芬留下耐人尋味的一句話:“這個我不敢說,不過,姚再添是1128召集人之一,聯署簽名召開特大時,姚再添也是第一個簽名。”

Wanita MCA: Amendments to LRA must protect rights of non-converting spouses & minor children

Press statement by Wanita MCA Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun in response to proposed amendments to the Law Reform (Marriage & Divorce) Act 1976

A briefing on laws pertaining to religious conversion was held at the Federal Territory Mosque where Senior Federal Counsel Mohamad Naser Disa spoke about proposed amendments to the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976.

Joint petition for divorce and alimony
Wanita MCA supports the proposed amendments which gives the civil courts the authority to decide on matters pertaining to the dissolution of marriage which includes divorce, judicial separation and nullity; alimony; custody of children and matrimonial assets. This is parallel with MCA’s position that any marriage contracted by civil law may only be annulled through civil law.

A spouse may have embraced Islam but this does not negate the civil court’s jurisdiction to hear the application for divorce, judicial separation and nullity and/or ancillary relief by the non-converting spouse. Notwithstanding if a spouse has become a Muslim, the civil court still holds jurisdiction in determining issues in respect of the marriage’s dissolution, maintenance to spouse and children, custody, access and division of matrimonial property. The Muallaf is thus obliged by civil law to fulfill his/her obligations under the civil court as contracted by a civil marriage to his/her spouse and minor children.

Division of jointly-acquired matrimonial property
Wanita MCA further endorses the proposed amendments to the LRA with respects to matrimonial assets and property which were jointly-acquired. To allay fears that a non-converting spouse has no access to property which were jointly acquired before the spouse converted to Islam, the proposed amendments run in tandem with MCA’s position that jointly acquired matrimonial properties comprised in the estate prior to the date of conversion should be subject to the civil laws of inheritance and succession for the time in force.

Conversion and custody of minor children
As Naser informed at the briefing that the proposed amendments prohibits either parent from registering the conversion of their children, this is in line with the Cabinet decision on 22 April 2009 that should one spouse embrace Islam, the minor children should be brought up in accordance with the common religion at the time of marriage.

Wanita MCA hereby reiterates MCA’s consistent position that both parents must have equal rights in determining the minor child’s religion. It is in compliance Article 5(1) of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1961 (revised 1988) which spells equality of parental rights, i.e. “equality of parental rights or the administration of the income of any such property, a mother shall have equal rights and authority as the law allows to the father, and the rights and authority of mother and father shall be equal.”

It is only ethical that should the Muallaf intend to convert the minor children, he/she ought to inform the non-converting parent and obtain his/her consent before registering the minor children as Muslims.

On any occasion should the child’s religion be in dispute by the other party, it must remain as status quo at the time of birth or as with the common religion of the parents at the time of marriage, until the minor child reaches the age of majority, i.e. 18 years whereupon the child then decides his/her religion.

In the same vein, the rights of the non-converting spouse as to the custody of the child cannot be denied, all just because one spouse chooses to become a Muslim.

Perhaps what is more direly needed now is how the proposed amendments to the LRA may have a bearing on enactments related with religion at all levels so as to ensure that the rights of non-converting parents are protected.

Meanwhile, the proposed amendment to Section 51 of the LRA is also a feasible move which enables Muslim converts to petition for a divorce, judicial separation or nullity in a civil court which previously could only be done by the non-converting spouse citing spousal conversion as a ground for divorce. However, we would like to stress the principle that the converting spouse does not make conversion an excuse to evade his/her obligations within the family but recognize that conversion comes with responsibility.

In addition, we support the proposal to amend Section 89 of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act 1993 which stipulates that the Registrar of New Covnerts inform the non-converting families of the conversion.

The amendments must ensure that the rights of both Muslims and non-Muslims are protected.

Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
Wanita MCA National Chairman

Monday, November 23, 2009

周美芬:不学翁总铲除异己 不砍王赛芝陈清凉

2009/11/21 6:51:59 PM ●南洋商报 宋秀英
http://www.nanyang.com.my/Newscenter/articledetail.asp?type=N&ID=103338&sID=7&cID=10

(吉隆坡21日讯)马华妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬今天坦言绝不“学习”总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰的处事方式,大刀阔斧斩除异己,包括撤除亲总会长的王赛芝及陈清凉的妇女组总秘书及组织秘书职位。

她说,虽然总会长日前把她和多名廖派领袖踢出会长理事会,不过,她却从来没有想过动用本身权力,以相同手法撤除王及陈。

周美芬接受《南洋商报》访问时说,在一个政党,总会出现不同的音声;如果只允许一言堂,那么不需要委任这么多中委。“对我而言,我绝对愿意聆听不同声音,就算我的看法是对的,而对方却错了,我也不会举起关刀,把对方给砍掉;要是这样,就不可能有所谓的集思广益,只要一个人的意见就够了。”

周美芬在去年10月举行的马华妇女组党选中选为妇女组主席,过后她分别委任王赛芝及陈清凉担任总秘书及组织秘书。

当马华出现内讧,翁诗杰把周美芬等人视为逼宫派时,王赛芝及陈清凉却靠向翁诗杰。令人玩味的是,翁诗杰日前宣布重组会长理事会,把周美芬及马青总团长拿督魏家祥等人踢出局,却委任王赛芝及陈清凉等人成为理事会成员。

这种异常手法出现了滑稽画面,周美芬委任的人成为了会长理事会成员,反而周美芬降低身分,成为受邀列席的会长理事会成员。

妇女组代表出现矛盾
周美芬说,总会长把她踢出会长理事会,委任王赛芝等人的手法是希望制造妇女组的矛盾,让一个被选出来的主席却不能代表妇女组反映问题。

“这种情况也使到妇女组的代表性出现矛盾,反映总会长利用本身的权力否决妇女组的意愿。”

她认为,任何负责任的妇女组领袖都必须关注这个问题的严重性,尽量避免这种情况出现。

询及王赛芝及陈清凉是否应该辞去会长理事会成员职位,周美芬,身为领导,她们应该知道什么决定对党是最好的,因此她不会告诉她们该怎样做。

“我不认为出现这种情况是她们的错,不过,她们应该知道其后果。”

周美芬劝告妇女组领袖必须在言行举止方面展现独立思考的一面,不能一味附合领袖的口味,也应该考虑到妇女组的尊严和立场。

对于王赛芝与她该如何合作,她自言会用专业方式处理党务。“必须强调的是,妇女组容许不同声音,不过,最终还是必须以妇女组的整体利益及尊严为依归;绝对不能是非黑白不分,只是一味附和领袖的口味。”

UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION WITH CHILDREN AND SINGLE PARENTS

SPEECH on 21 Nov 2009





First of all, I would like to thank and congratulate Resorts World Genting for organizing such a meaningful event today. The smiling faces of the little ones and the parents in front of me here have already made this special occasion an unforgettable one for me. It is indeed my pleasure to be with all you here today.

The Universal Children’s Day, as you all know, is an important day to be observed by the world, as it is a day to promote ideals and objectives to safeguard the welfare and rights for the children globally. It is our responsibility to reach out to the children of the world and let their outcries be heard. This year, the Universal Children’s Day also marks the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has been signed on the same day in 1989 by 191 countries. It signifies that children have the same basic human rights as adults. However, statistics from the United Nations show that around 51 million children born in 2006 have not had their births registered, some 165 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are currently involved in child labour and more than 17,000 children die of starvation every year.

Ladies and gentlemen,
In Malaysia, children are 11.2 million or 40% of the population. Children have been recognised as an important asset to a nation as they will be the human capital who will make us more competitive in this global economy. As a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Child, various efforts have been taken by the Government to ensure and safeguard the welfare and interest of children. With regard to this, the Government has formulated the National Child Policy and its Plan of Action as well as National Child Protection Policy and its Plan of Action recently to ensure the well-being and welfare of the children as well as to shape and develop children into good citizens. The National Child Policy and its Plan of Action have underlined strategies which focusing on survival, protection, development, participation and advocacy, while National Child Protection Policy and its Plan of Action are to ensure children’s protection from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development is concerned about the rise of violence committed against children. In 2007, the number of abuse cases was 2,279 in 2007 but it has increased to 2,780 in 2008. In the same period, the number of abuse cases committed by parents or guardians rose from 992 in 2007 to 1,266 in 2008. Statistics from Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) showed that 4,968 children were reported missing from January 2005 to May 2008, and 37.5 percent is still untraceable. There is an urgent need for various stakeholders such as government agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society and individuals to hasten the efforts to prevent crimes against children becoming widespread.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I understand that being a single parent is definitely not a simple role to be in, as they have to juggle the time between being the sole breadwinner and spending quality time with their children. And I am inspired by all of you for your perseverance in life’s journey and your contributions to your families, society and the country. I hope today’s event can provide all of you a quiet and relaxed moment with your children. And I truly hope that this experience for both the children and parents will be an unforgettable one.

I always believe that every child deserves his innocence and that should not be robbed away just because they are in a different situation from the rest. Our world relies on how we nurture and cultivate our next generation. Therefore, we should be aware, be sensible enough to make the world a better place for the children by building dignity, a sense of belonging and security in life for them.

Beloved Children,
Always remember that you are the special ones no matter who you are and where you came from. You are our hope, our joy and our future leaders.

As such, I hope all of you will enjoy programmes and activities today. On that note, I hereby declare the Universal Children’s Day Celebration open. Thank you and Happy Universal Children’s Day.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Press Statement by Wanita MCA 马华妇女组文告


文告 (二零零九年十一月十九日)

马华妇女组针对第9次马华中委会中撤除妇女组主席为马华会长理事会成员事件发表以下看法:

1. 这是创党60年以来首次妇女组全国主席不被受委为会长理事会成员,这显示不尊重妇女组也否决了妇女组是马华的臂膀,这将影响党和妇女组的前进。

2. 马华妇女组全国主席是由马华妇女组40万党员经过民主程序合法选出的,她代表了妇女组40万党员,这个地位不容藐视。妇女组全国主席不被委为马华会长理事会委员等于藐视40万马华妇女组党员。

3. 妇女组全国主席被贬为受邀者来列席马华会长理事会,对她和妇女组而言是一种侮辱,因为受邀者有需要才受邀列席,也没有表决权。

4. 我们欢迎总会长委任妇女组总秘书及妇女组全国组织秘书,但却不能接受没有委任妇女组全国主席。如果这样的做法可以被接受,这会使以后各州联委会,马华区会在成立一些重要的委员会,例如:州执行委员会,党选举委员会,遴选委员会等,也可以根据主席的喜好委任,而不是根据党职委任,违背妇女组政治斗争目标。

5. 针对马华新闻局所发出信息:妇女组从原有的1名受委成员(周美芬)及1名受邀列席者(王赛芝),增加至2名受委成员(王赛芝及陈清凉),提升了妇女组在会长理事会的代表性的说发是不正确的。真正代表妇女组的是妇女组全国主席。



Press Release
19 November 2009

Wanita MCA in response to removal of Wanita MCA National Chairman, YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun at the 9th MCA Central Committee as a Presidential Council member, would like to state our views as follows:

1) In the 60 years of history of MCA since its inception, this is the first time where the Wanita Chairman was ever dropped from the membership of Presidential Council being the highest decision-making mechanism in the party. This reflects utmost disregard on the part of the President towards Wanita MCA as one of the wings of the party, being a vital component in the party. Such disrespect also affects the future direction of the party and Wanita MCA .

2) The Wanita MCA National Chairman was elected democratically by 400,000 wanita members. In other words, the Wanita MCA National Chairman was voted in to democratically represent 40,000 Wanita members. Her status and position simply cannot and should not be undermined.

3) The relegation of the Wanita MCA National Chairman from an appointed member to a mere invited member in the Presidential Council is an insult to her and to the Wanita MCA as a wing. Her representation in the Presidential Council would be reduced given that the presence of any invited member would merely be sought when required. Further, her voice would naturally be diminished as her presence and right to speak are subject to the permission by the President.

4) The appointment of the Wanita Secretary General and Wanita Nationa Organising Chairman by the President as appointed members of the Presidential Council has set a bad precedent in future in other party mechanisms. If this practice were to be acceptable, then in future, State Liaison Committee or MCA division in setting up prominent committees such as Party Election Committee, the respective Chairperson of any committee may appoint anyone in his favour and not in accordance of party position. This contradicts the principle of Wanita MCA’s political struggle.

5) In response to the SMS issued by the MCA Information and Communication Bureau, Wanita MCA initially had 1 appointed member (Chew Mei Fun) and 1 member by invitation (Heng Seai Kie) but it is now increased to two (2) appointed members (Heng Seai Kie and Tan Cheng Liang) has improved representation of women in the Presidential Council. Such claim is inaccurate. The person who can truly represent Wanita MCA is the Wanita National Chairman.

周美芬:剝奪幸福童年‧勿把稚子當搖錢樹

星洲日報‧2009.11.18

周嘉鴻(左4)贈送紀念給主講人丘依鑫(右3),由周美芬(右4)見證,左起為余朝銘、黃清儀和黃冰瑩,右起是陳月鶯、盧明達。(圖:星洲日報)

(雪蘭莪‧巴生)婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說,家長不應該將幼小的子女當搖錢樹。

她說,一些家長利用孩子的潛能當搖錢樹,讓他們每天晚上打扮得花枝招展上台表演,雖然父母賺到錢,但孩子溫習功課的時間卻被犧牲了。

她早前為馬來西亞興安會館總會婦女組主辦,及巴生濱海福莆仙同鄉會婦女組暨青年團協辦的讓孩子有個安全幸福的童年講座會主持開幕時,發表談話。

她說,家長必須瞭解,無論是貧窮家庭或是殘疾兒童,他們都有受教育和被照顧的權利,他們的幸福童年是不可以被剝奪的。

建議學校辦性教育講座
與此同時,她建議學校的家教協會或董事部,在學校完成年終假期後,為五六年級學生舉辦性教育講座會,讓他們瞭解關於性的問題。

她說,她發現一些學生,不論是男女,都缺乏對性器官的認識,因此有必要為他們舉辦性教育講座,灌輸他們正確的思想。

出席講座會的包括巴生濱海福莆仙同鄉會會長盧明達、永久名譽會長兼顧問黃清儀、余朝銘、青年團團長周嘉鴻和婦女組主席黃冰瑩等。

Monday, November 16, 2009

周美芬:没有人可超越党章

号外专访周美芬 vol 453

真的有背叛这回事吗?

答:我必须要讲的是,在这件事上从头到尾我都是坚持一个原则。实际上我跟蔡细历没有深仇大恨或私人过节,但是当特大开始时,我全面挺翁,很多人都问我为什么要把头伸得那么出来帮翁诗杰?主要是因为我拿着马华妇女组的党章,我给你看呀……(翻党章细则)你看,妇女组的目标是a)落实马华公会党章宗旨和目标,b)带动妇女积极参政,负起建国使命,c)提升妇女地位,落实两性平等……

什么叫两性平等?意思是两性要互相尊重,家庭要和谐。

我在全马推动妇女儿童援助辅导,雪州成立了18间的妇女儿童辅导室,也在各州开始陆续成立辅导室,训练了百多名的助理辅导员,这么积极服务的原因是为什么?

原因是我们不希望有这些家庭问题,感情出轨的问题,使到我们女性和孩子在生活上,家庭幸福上受到影响!

这是我们的宗旨和目标,所以我们不能接受,我也不希望我们的总会长有这样的问题。

这就是我全面挺翁的原因。跟私人恩怨,跟我个人比较偏好与谁合作是没有关系的,ok?

不管当初支持的原委是什么,从挺翁到不挺翁,事情发展到今天,你也被冠上了忘恩负义,背负后门提拔之恩的罪名呀。

答:我受委为上议员,被推荐成为副部长,原因是因为我是周美芬吗?不是!原因是我是被选出来的妇女组主席!而总会长他有这个推荐权是因为通过代表大会党员选他出来的,他的权力是党赋予他的,意思是说,我跟翁诗杰之间是没有任何利益输送的。

我们不可能说这个职务是属于某某人的个人财产!我今天要面对的是整个党,是整个妇女组!同样的如果今天我的委任状是首相签的,是不是说万一首相做了对华社或国家不利的决定,我也要感恩图报?不然的话我就是见利忘义,忘恩负义,对吗?(号外:也对啦……)(激动)不是也对,是本来就对!这本来就是我们应该要把持的原则,否则这个党所有能够推荐的职位,最后就变成了用来赢取支持的一种贪污贿赂行为!

据了解,特大的那五条提案,是由城中一个非常著名,服务费非常昂贵的律师所草拟出来的。每一条提案的内容都是清清楚楚的,我们双方都花了接近两个月的时间全面拉票,花了这么多的心力,花了70万!花了这么多的钱,调动了两千多名代表来投出这一票。然后我们说……(顿了一顿,表情僵硬),这一票的答案是很不明显的……所以我们要再来确定一次。(号外:咦,不明显吗?那如果第2特大结果很接近那不是没完没了?)对呀!你自己都这么讲!所以我们的看法是要尊重特大的议决啦,我的立场就是这样简单。

我所有的党同志不管是谁都好,在党的事务上,我跟他们谈的不是私人感情,我们应该谈的是同志情。什么叫同志情?党的未来,党的方向!特大是党的最高表决机构,如果今天我们能够漠视特大的决议,以后……(语气轻缓,充满伤感)还有什么机构可以为党的方向做决定?

现在你可能会感情上于心不忍啦,怎样怎样啦,可是它对体制带来的伤害是非常严重的喔!因为你制造了一个不好的先例!很多人讲什么,黄陈的时代也是一样呀,不一样!那个时候没有特大,而这一次投选出来之后我们更关心的是如何能使党迅速的平稳。

根据自称知情的马华老党员说,在联署信中有超过20名中委签名,请廖中莱作代表去劝翁总下台。有这样的事吗?

答:其实在党章底下没有人有权力叫翁诗杰走的,因为多数票并未达到三分之二,我在报章上也讲过很多次了,走不走是他个人的事情。(激动)但是作为一个负责任的人,你走不走都好应该要跟大家探讨一下,集思广益,怎样才是一个能使党恢复平静的决定!当然在这方面大家有不同的看法,所以就是要谈咯!

结果有谈吗?我们听到的消息是说10月14号当天晚上有密会……

答:要一起谈,而不是一个一个分开谈!一个个来谈,谈不到东西的!(号外:你的想法是召开中委会来谈?)中委会肯定要谈,但之前的准备与应对方式,至少你要跟我们的group谈!(号外:为什么要一个一个的谈?)我不知道,你去问他啦!

尊重党章尊重特大,这些是没有疑问的,马青也是全面通过的,这是没有人可以质疑的,明白吗?你不能说呀中委会是小集团,这是不可以的!当把中委会当成个人或小集团而漠视其存在的时候党就没有办法操作了!

恕我直言,以我们外人看来,翁总向来是如此独断独行的呀,所以事情搞到今天这样也是跟个人性格有关系的……

答:这个你自己写下去咯,是你讲的,我没有讲。其实啦,我只是想重申我的立场,我不要去评批和诋毁任何人,这点你要记得写咯。我接受这个专访是因为我在出国期间(日内瓦公干期间),有一些在网上让人惊讶的,发放了一些不可思议的消息。
比如说,有人讲开除蔡细历是我、魏家祥和廖中莱去怂恿的!任何自去年党选以来有跟进马华消息的人,都会知道这句话是不足信的,对吗?你说我们有这么大的影响力?

它的起因在哪里?这样的谎言,这种寻找代罪羔羊,想要合理化自己某些举动的行为也一定要符合逻辑和让人家信服才行吧?

甚至有媒体告诉我说,很可惜我们报馆有登,可是我们自己看了也觉得好笑。你了解我的意思吗?那我问说;你有没有想过登了之后对我造成的影响呢?没有关系啦,我也明白啦,现在你要从政,你就预了必须面对这些啰!

很可惜啦,人民或者党员看起来眼睛是雪亮的,但是有时候也会随着局势和情绪波动而受到影响,之后他们可能就没有办法很清楚的去思考,然后你就会遭殃!我给你看千百家村的人给我的sms,你看人家讲什么……

先前你提到说如果有行事不当,就连首相你也没面子给,那现在是不是等于说翁总也有不妥的地方,所以你才坚守原则不继续支持他?

答:我并没有针对任何人!从头到尾,我们只是要任何有权力决定的人必须要尊重特大!不只是翁诗杰,另一个涉及特大的前领袖也必须要尊重特大的结果,大家都要尊重。

纵观整起事件,你的叛变之名,主要是因为从一开始的“集体负责,支持到底”,到后来转变成“翁总需走,密谋策划”。到底,没有集体辞职这个协议?

答:你要注意,蔡细历的党籍是恢复了,可是他的党职却没有,证明特大并没有完全否定中委会做的决定。(号外:是基于特大没有完全否定,所以中委会也不应该总辞这样的想法,所以才不走的吗?)总辞这个课题是曾经有人提,但是没有进一步谈到的问题。另外,我们要看的是什么东西对党来说是最好的,要怎样才能符合党章的情况下让党迅速恢复平静?就是这个样子而己!如果你说输了一票也要走,那又怎么说?

(号外:大部份人的想法是,这几个人说要一起走,结果又不走,只是推某个人去死而己,这就是背叛啰!)你觉得呢?有人指示他夸下海口赢少少也走吗?(号外:重选是最好的,大家重新寻求委托。)事情发展到今天,我们已错过了以最理想方式解决问题的机会,现在也唯有重选寻求重新委托才能赢回党的尊严和威信,所以我们要求重选咯!

大团结方案出炉了,重选恐怕已经不是唯一可行的方案。况且11月1号的妇女组中委会,感觉上那个表决的结果也蛮危险的。

答:第一条尊重特大成绩的议案完全没有异议,全部通过。第二条总辞的议案是和另一条议案一起让大家选择的,结果26票赞成总辞重选,18票则选择等到11月3号的中委会先了解大团结方案,如果不能同意就重选,这条是这样的知道吗?(号外:好像没有在报上看到这一条?)因为我们没有讲嘛──!(号外:是不是等于说还有很多妇女组中委对于大团结方案抱持着观望的态度?)对!

从翁派说要特大你持反对的立场,到现在又同意重选,为什么会有这样反复的立场?

答:因为当时我们可以根据党章,通过协商找出不违背特大议决,来使党迅速恢复平静的方案。
至于为什么我们后来支持重选,是因为大团结方案的内容没有人知道,当我们提出来说要了解时,总会长就在他的blog很清楚地说No,他不需要来跟你们谈!

特大已经作了决定,然后你又回到原点,你是不是拿人来玩?

那么你叫这些中央代表情何以堪?我们只是知道没有人可以超越党章和特大,因为这是党的机制,让党运作顺畅的一个保证!对不对?

所以这是不能够被妥协的,党不是你们两三个人的。

有人说我们这批是见利忘义之徒,想要争上位呀……哎呀……别人我不要去批评,就说我自己啦,你觉得我还有机会做部长吗?(号外:你是妇女组主席呀为什么没有机会?)没有喎,媒体是最敏感的,至少媒体从来没有作过类似的推测,如果我要做部长,我应该去跟翁诗杰嘛!你了解我的意思吗?

所以在10月15号的中委会,你呛翁说大家都有官职,没有必要去逼宫这句话是有的?

答:我是这样讲的,我说你说这些做部长的要争上位,有什么好争,位子都坐了嘛,现在马华这样的情况,这么乱,我们目前又处于弱势的情况之下,如果有部长做就好了咯,还要做总会长来做什么?总会长一个不小心会变成末代总会长……!

(号外:哇,YB你也太直接了吧?)一不小心就是末代总会长咧,你怎么可以说这些人是唯利是图?你明白我的意思吗?

这个问题我们在访问挺翁派时有问过,据说官位不是最重要的,党的资源分配才是好料?

答:党有什么资源?所以你要去问回他们,做了这样多事,是不是存着这种想法?如果真的有的话,他们现在是不是此地无银三百两?如果真的有,这种不健康的做法是不是应该被纠正?(号外:照写呀?)我什么也没说,这是他们自己讲的。

现在选择不尊重特大,是不是因为要瓜分呢?他这样讲的话,我也要问他这么一句咯!现在是你们自己把问题的症结讲出来啰!

实际上马华在过去一年也没有开过多少次中委会喎,没给你们太多讲话的机会吧?

答:这个我不可以乱讲,我只能够讲一些对的和公平的东西。确实一开始中委会可能开得比较迟,但是我相信次数是够的。我觉得做人要公平,不能因为现在我跟你意见不合,我就讲一些不好的话,我是不会这样的。

会长理事会可能开得不够啦,中委会我觉得总算下来是够的,现在我只是要看特大的成绩而己,其它的东西我不想去批评。

现在,我们是很清楚的看到YB的立场,但是昨天也有消息说翁总可以同意党选,但是周魏两人也要跟着走,好像已经变成是私人恩怨了喎?

答:对咯对咯!别人有没有把它变成私人恩怨就让党员自己去判断,但是我还是认为要秉持着党章来做咯!

你要我辞职……(又去翻党章来读,第41条)如果超过三分之二的被选中央委员同时停职,剩下的委员……

但是我呀在党章下,我即使签名辞职也无法促成重选的喎!

因为,我是妇女组选出来的妇女组主席,是当然主席,我昨天已经很清楚的问她们,你们认为我需要辞职吗?她们说不需要。

实际上也是不应该把战火蔓延到马青和妇女组吧?

答:所以你就看到他们的用意在那里咯!

他们是希望看到这把火呀,宁可玉碎不可瓦全,大家抱着一起死一起陪葬!即使我辞职,妇女组也不能重选的,根据党章署理会自己升上来顶我的位,他的人也是上不来呀,你明白吗?(微笑)当然马青他是希望马顺汉上啦!我觉得从这些事情,你就看到那些人是对事,那些人太过personal了咯……。

从党务突然变成私人恩怨,YB有什么感想?

答:别人我不理啦,我只是想对事不对人。所以从外国回来我没开记者会,骂郑联科是因为在国会被媒体围着脱不了身,他是我肚里的蛔虫吗?我一回来就说我要搞事呀?

结果你看被骂骂一下,他最近就比较收声了,因为他想要帮忙,结果帮倒忙嘛,人家不会看的咩?

人家会看的,党员知道的。所以我才丢下一句话,神经人人皆有,巧妙自各不同。

我不要把东西挖出来,对人不对事。我只是想针对党,不是要去做人格谋杀人身攻击,不需要!我要做的是去up-hold党的principal。

你看,有些人在我在讲话时他开电话让对方窃听,结果报导出来的效果变成偷听的是英雄,我讲真话的反而变成狗熊哦!其实,我讲的东西就是报导我跟总会长在面对面一对一谈的时候谈的是一样的,为了什么要这样做?

(翻开剪报)是指10月14号的密会吗?怎会爆出来说有人用手机直播会谈?

答:这些都是他们自己爆出来的,所以新闻很多嘛,一时是挺翁派消息说、挺蔡派消息说、党内消息说、内幕消息说、可靠消息说,这些是谁?全部都不敢站出来,都见不得人的!我也可以躲在背后放消息的,但是我不想这样做,明人不做暗事!

在您的角度,是爱党心切,希望尽速稳定党的团结,可是看在部份人眼中,却是叛变。现在,被指叛变的心情如何?答:没有关系啦,我告诉你呀,我发现自从大家懂得善用媒体,会用 internet之后呀你从政真的是要好好的想一下。

即使你的用意是多么的诚恳都好,一个新闻出来,可以让你跳到黄河都洗不清。你要轻易全身而退呀?

我告诉你,在政治里面是不能的。

所以为什么人家讲那个某某人一千万的事情,我说如果证实,党一定要采取纪律行动,但是未证实之前他是清白的。这是一定要把持的原则,就这么简单吧了。我不能够因为今天跟你不好了,我就讲衰你,我做不出。

但是在这个过程中很遗憾的大家对我,或者对方对我并没有那么仁慈喎……。(眼眶微红)其实我不需要你对我仁慈,你对我公平就好了。

所以你问我怎样?我已经下定决定了,人民在大选告诉了我们,他们要民主精神获得捍卫,做事情有理有据,公平公正。所以今天我们党要继续走下去,是不是也要有理有据?要掌握民主精神、党的宗旨和目标?

为什么突然有所感触?答:你去八打灵北区问,过去两届我有没有做服务?我相信到现在,都还是有人会说我的确有尽心尽力在做事,输掉是我最大的遗憾!

(越说越大声,搞到助理亦一脸担忧的探半身入办公室探望)你以为我很喜欢用这种方式进国会呀?(指通过受委上议员入阁)我不喜欢的!(眼睛通红,泪光开始闪烁)但是我背后的妇女组对我有很大的期望。我对这个位子从来没有要求过(指指副部长办公室),我没有要求过做副部长!

去年大选失利后,你的房子真的卖掉了?

答:卖掉了呀!(号外:是因为……)不是不是……(清清喉咙)是我要搬回去跟家人住。
大家都说你失去了国会议员津贴和上一届政务次长的薪水所以才负担不起房贷……
答:那边的花钱比较高啦……每个月都要给服务费。

老实说我也不是穷到这样啦,但是我确实是要找工作做啰。(号外:你去了旅游部的子公司Pempena…)(拍手大笑)我去那边8个月,每天都吃pisang goreng你知道为什么吗?天天开会解决问题!

你以为钱那么容易赚呀?

随着妇女组总秘书王赛芝的所谓“没有叫她写辞职信的真相”,给挺翁派一种你的背叛更加“罪证确凿”的感觉。当时,到底你有被要求撰辞职信吗?

答:我给你看copy要吗那个辞职信?不过你不可以拍啦。

所以是真有其事?不过翁总的中文水准高是人所共知的事,这么重要的信,理应亲笔所书,没有请人代笔的理由。

答:你记得特大有5个议案吗?翁诗杰提出的只有一个,谁写的?我写的嘛!

你知道我的意思吗?总会长的文笔是很好,我比不上他的,他是个才子。但是诠释方式和事实不符,有些信有些讲稿也不是我自己写的嘛对不对?

所以那个时候我们帮他草拟嘛,草拟的时候我们几个人一起的,王茀明的那个文告也是我有参与与修饰的嘛!

一向来都是我呀何国忠呀颜炳寿呀帮他改的。记得吗第二天那个罗秋俊也发文告证实有叫我写信吗!

罗秋俊是挺翁的大将咧,他们的自己人都这样讲了,你说我有讲骗话吗?

在妇女组中委会上王赛芝有讲我也有讲呀,她是把整个程序讲了出来,但诠释的方法不同,但是有没有你们自己去判断啰。

我不要谈赛芝的事情,我们一号那天已经有了一个很好的中委会,你喜欢不喜欢那五六个小时里面我让所有人讲完他们要讲的。

妇女组没有分裂,但我跟赛芝在这个事情上意见不同,了解吗?

翁总不走,还提出大团结方案,翁蔡回锅,旧料新炒,你们有跌眼镜吗?

答:(笑)你有跌眼镜吗?(号外:(答得很老实)有,跌到满地都是。)这个让大家去评断,我不要批评任何人。

我的宗旨呀你要写,反正我不做人身攻击。

你对这个发展失望吗?

答:
我没有所谓失不失望,我只是为党如何尽速稳定下来而担忧吧了。

(号外:如何尽速稳定?如果我是代表一定骂到你们半死的,把我们统统叫来给你们玩吗?)(不怒反笑)没有办法啰,所以我的意思是说你都已经洗湿了头,很多事情是在你控制之外的。这就是政治。

这个发展也很难服众呀,明明死都要分手的人突然又大团圆结局。

答:
这个问题,你要去问翁诗杰,问我做什么?

现在又有消息说有人要你跟魏家祥走狗,有怕过吗?

答:有什么好怕?我是不是走狗,就留待大家去评断……当然我是感到遗憾啦,因为你做的东西被歪曲了,或者说是被抹黑,这种心情肯定是会有的,有那一个人不希望自己留个好名声?这种事情的发生多少都会对我造成影响。

可是……(沉吟两秒)食得咸鱼就要抵得渴。你讲的即使是实话,但是只要有人出来质疑你,大家就坐下来等看戏。(竟然还抽得出口跟摄影讲)喂你要选美一点的照片,我看你一定会选那些我看起来很凶的样子来登……。

您如今的立场是支持中委会重选,为什么?重选会不会更大阵仗,更多纷扰?

答:没有办法了,如果要丢开特大的信才能够开中委会的话,未来党你还要怎样运作?(自己越想越好笑,终于poo的一声笑出来)我刚才讲了,党不是两三个人的,既然大家都同意特大结果要被尊重,那么中委会就应该去执行议决。

中委会重选,等于是马华的党选吗?

答:只是中委重选。现在我们陷入了一个僵局,怎样才能符合党代表的意愿?还政以民是最好的。

最好是能够不用特大就直接选,你了解吗?如果有三分之二的中委愿意辞职,我们就不需要开特大了。

有个关键问题想不明白,最初翁总说要开特大决定重选,蔡老二也要求解散中委会,你们反对。等到你们同意要重选了,应该是三方都求仁得仁了,但为什么彼此的立场又对调了,变成只有你们要重选?

答:
对咯,为什么他们现在不要重选了?你去问他们啰。(号外:快点啦,跟我分享下您的看法。)因为当时重选不是最快速有效使党稳定的途径,而且它的结果是很难预测的,恐怕结果会影响到马华在内阁的代表,因为我门只有15位国会议员。

马华走到今天,老实说已经民心大失,如今又党争不断,四分五裂,恐怕不是好事。身为妇女组主席的您,如今有什么对策?

答:从头到尾,我都没有跟妇女组强硬的说大家一定要挺翁,我只是拿了党章跟大家谆谆善诱……因为我相信今天的领导方式不能用强硬的。

你了解我的意思吗?

在308,我自己遭受了这么大的挫折之后来领导妇女组,我依旧留下来……

你看哪,车祸差点死掉(2007年水灾时探望灾民在东海岸大道翻车),车子进厂后就再也没有出来了,我进出医院两个月,脑部动两次手术,最近才治好看东西叠影的问题。(指住右额头)这边的血管破裂,放了很多金属丝去挡住这个漏,才医好的。

你了解我的意思吗?我经历了这么多,我很遗憾的还在大选输了那么多,你说我会心灰意冷吗?
多少肯定会吧!但是我告诉我自己,在这个过程当中我不会怪任何人,现在是党最低潮的时候,我不会因为自己受到的打击而离弃党。我要留下来。

甚至,在我攻打主席一职时有人来挑战我,有人跟我讲,她只是要署理而己,而署理候选人是我的中坚支持者,请她让位就好了。

我不妥协,我不会因为自己的利益而叫人家牺牲她的。

所以我跟对方说,来啦,赢了你就做,输了我就走咯,就是这样简单而己。

到了大势所趋,不能不走的时候,能够拿得起,放得下吗?

答:如果担心,我不会这么拼,我应该紧紧跟随翁诗杰,对吗?

我最重要的是对得起我自己,对得起我的党。

我不是说我自己很清高,但是我要恳请大家不要一竹竿打翻一船人,还是有很多很好的政治人物在默默耕耘的。

--end--

面对困难站稳立场 周美芬鼓舞党员士气

光华日报 http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2009/11/14/114.html
二零零九年十一月十四日


“姐妹情深”的王赛芝(左)及周美芬(右)共用一个餐盒,势要摆脱两人“不和之说”。

(吉隆坡14日讯)马华妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬认为,身为政党的一份子,在党遇到困难及挑战时,大家不应该觉得泄气,反而要站得更直,而且也要更鼓舞士气。

“面对困难时,大家应站稳立场,手牵手,扮演好各自的角色。”

她今日为马华妇女组主持慈善嘉年华义卖筹款活动开幕时,这样指出。

她在会上宣布,马华妇女组在慈善嘉年华义卖筹款活动筹得8万8千令吉,这项筹款义卖活动主要是为印尼、菲律宾及印度的灾黎筹款,以协助他们渡过危机。

同时,她也非常感激妇女组同志的支持与协助,并希望可以在这场慈善义卖会上达致筹集10万令吉的目标。

周美芬与王赛芝为避嫌而“屈就”一起坐?
早前因马华党争之事而盛传“姐妹情深”的王赛芝及周美芬感情疏远,但两人今日出席慈善嘉年华义卖筹款活动时,原本“隔空”坐的两人,在见到摄记猛拍两人分开坐的情景,周美芬马上“召唤”王赛芝将椅子移过去与她一起坐,叫人莞尔。

而在较后的巡视义卖摊位时,两人更共用一个餐盒,势要摆脱两人“不和之说”。

家境好也申請福利金‧周美芬搖頭

星洲日報/大都會‧2009.11.12

周美芬(左5)為馬華沙亞南太子園支會晚宴主持切蛋糕儀式。(圖:星洲日報)

(雪蘭莪‧巴生)婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬表示,該部發現有許多家境不錯的人士竟然也申請福利金,這個趨勢讓人感到擔憂。

她說,自從該部推動“尋找貧困”計劃,便發現社會出現了這樣的現象,但婦女社會部還是秉持原則,只發放福利金給真正有需要的人士。

提供窮人技能訓練
不過,她也提醒大家福利金不是永久性的援助,因為政府相信貧困人士只要假以時日,總有一天能夠經濟獨立,也因此政府會特別幫助有潛力的窮人,提供他們技能訓練和創業資本,好讓他們自力更生,脫離貧窮。

周美芬週三(11月11日)晚出席馬華沙亞南太子園支會晚宴時表示,最近公佈的財政預算案,雖然政府各部門的預算都有所減少,但婦女社會部份配給窮苦人士的福利金不但沒有減少,反而增加。

不會停止援助貧戶
她透露,該部最近全面動員社會福利局的官員,要在11月30日之前,把所有累積的福利金申請個案調查完畢。

她說,以前有人投訴過了兩個月都還拿不到福利金,但這個問題從9月開始就不復存在,因為根據政府設下的指標,婦女社會部須在兩週內完成申請個案的調查,以及在1個月內通知申請者申請是否獲批。

另外,周美芬表示,根據原定規劃,“尋找貧困”計劃將在12月終止,但是婦女社會部至今仍沒有做出一個最終決定,因此這項計劃未必會在12月停止。

她說,即使這項計劃終止,福利局不會停止援助貧戶,有需要幫助的人還是會得到應有的照顧。

Friday, November 13, 2009

周美芬:誠信是關鍵成績要讓人民看到

中国报 http://www.chinapress.com.my/content_new.asp?dt=2009-11-13&sec=mas&art=1113mab94a57.txt

(巴生12日訊)馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出,誠信是取信于民的重要態度,要讓人民看到和感受到,同時要落實民主和捍衛的事情,不能陽奉陰違。

她說,馬華過去默默耕耘,以和諧方式做事,但有時因對外表現懦弱,即使交出成績,也沒法讓人民感受到。

“在執行任務和爭取方面,沒真正讓人看到我們(馬華)表達意見,反之只讓人看到妥協,即使在大是大非前馬華做出捍衛,人民也看不到、感覺不到,甚至不認同。”

她指出,大選慘敗是人民看到國陣所屬陣線,扭曲民主精神和違背體制,馬華需要捍衛的事沒做到,反而利用權力執行想要做的事,漠視民主精神。

她昨晚出席馬華莎阿南太子園支會慶20週年暨紀念特刊雙喜晚宴致詞時,如此表示。

“在談團結時需要符合法制和民主,要真正和諧的團結,不要假團結和排除異己的團結,若在大是大非下沒捍衛反而沉默,那在捍衛人民權益時將無法取信于民。”

Thursday, November 12, 2009

不管是否有中委“变节”‧周美芬:坚持开特大

星洲日报‧2009.11.11

(雪兰莪‧八打灵再也)马华妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出,不管是否有中委“变节”,还是会坚持召开特大,因为他们所做的一切都只是想要捍卫民主权益及精神。

她週二(11月10日)晚上出席为亚太区天灾灾黎筹募援助及重建基金的《2012》电影慈善首映礼时如是指出。

对於拿督斯里蔡细歷恢復马华署理总会长身份並未受到社团注册局的承认,周美芬表示,在处理蔡细歷纪律问题的条款已经引用错误,所以並不可以根据这条款来作出裁决,而且这项议程没有通过中委会的討论就做出裁决是不正確的。

另外,由马华志工团、妇女组及总部职员体育会举办的慈善首映礼,筹得3万7000令吉,款项將透过世界宣明会、马来西亚慈善机构及中国报慈爱人间捐给亚太区天灾灾黎。

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

周美芬:筹款反应热烈 1128特大必能召开

光华日报 二零零九年十一月八日
http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2009/11/08/12.html

(槟城7日讯)马华妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬认为,11月28日的特大肯定开得成,因为从目前的捐款筹办特大的热烈反应看来,此次特大一定能够召开。

她说,大家勿小看沉默党员的力量,她可以感受到党员的意愿,就如以往召开党代表大会时,党代表都是入住较高级的酒店,如今就算入住一般酒店,他们也表示愿意自付费用。

她强调,1128特大是否合法,并不是由一两个人来评论,因为党的最高权力来自中央代表及党章。她周六受邀为槟城唐氏儿童协会主持开幕礼后,在记者会上如是指出。

她说,马华党员不可因为心软,而牺牲了党的民主,目前人民都希望看到政党能够尊重民意,而尊重党员的意愿,也就是尊重民意的一种体现。

“如果一个政党不尊重党员的意愿,也意味着不尊重民意,这不是民主的体制,更是对党未来的民主进程是一种伤害。”

她重申,马华党内出现不同的意见,而她有着自己所坚持的信念,如果有人认为她或其他马华领袖在搞事,这是因为他们不了解马华召开特大的原因。

“我们是希望通过特大,来赢回马华的尊严与公信力,我们未必都是挺廖的,只是希望通过特大来纠正违背党民主精神的事物,并将选择权还给党员,至于重选,并没有任何人敢为胜算写包单。”

她强调,大家只是对事情的看法不同而已,这并不意味在搞事,若有人认为她或其他领袖在搞事,这种说法是不公平的。

“我们不能再以妇人之仁来处理党事,就如一些人说的只要团结就好,但问题是打着团结之名却不实践民主,这其实是对民主的伤害。”

Monday, November 9, 2009

Chew confident it will take place

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/4maifan/Article/index_html
NST 2009/11/08

GEORGE TOWN: MCA Wanita chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun is confident that the proposed extraordinary general meeting for Nov 28 will proceed as planned.

The call for the EGM by 16 central committee members aligned to embattled MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, is to facilitate fresh party polls.

Chew said this was evident following overwhelming response from party members during a donation drive to raise funds for the EGM yesterday and on Friday.

"I am confident we can have the EGM," she told reporters here yesterday.

Asked if by having another EGM, they were creating "trouble" in the party and thus disrupting the "greater unity plan" unveiled by party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, she said it was unfair to make such statement.

"This is all part and parcel of democracy. Whether we can proceed with the EGM is not for one or two persons to decide."

On Wednesday, MCA secretary-general Datuk Wong Foon Meng said the party would not call for a second EGM.He said according to the party legal bureau chief the proposal by the group were "unconstitutional and unworkable".

Chew, who is also deputy women, family and community development minister, was here to attend the 10th anniversary celebration of the Penang Down's Syndrome Association.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

丹斯里彭半夜吃黄瓜,不知头尾!却大放厥词,身为后辈的赠他一句:彭生不知烦滋味,为获虚名强出头!

Monday, November 2, 2009

周美芬:擴展服務領域‧政府欲增加輔導員

星洲日報/大都會‧2009.10.31


周美芬(左)為馬華兒童、婦女輔導室主持剪綵儀式,前排右一起為鄭雅允、潘有禮、周麗玉和張亞蓮,后排左2為郭誠輝。(圖:星洲日報)


周美芬(中)分發福利金給一名樂齡人士。前排右起:郭誠輝、周麗玉及張亞蓮。(圖:星洲日報)

(雪蘭莪‧適耕莊)婦女、家庭與社會發展部副部長拿汀巴都卡周美芬指出,為了進一步擴展社會輔導服務領域,政府正努力增加輔導服務人員的數量。

周美芬也是馬華全國婦女組主席,她說,至今向婦女組登記的輔導員,在全國共有1865人,其中510人在政府機構服務,368人在教育學院工作及826人在學校執行任務。”

她說,私人界的輔導員只有109人及非政府團體有52名,因此,成立類似婦女輔導室和兒童援助單位十分重要,以便能更有效的協助需要輔導的婦女和援助的兒童解決問題。”

大港輔導室開幕
周美芬是週六(10月31日)早上在適耕莊馬青大港區團適耕莊州選區服務中心為馬華大港區會婦女組成立的兒童、婦女援助輔導室主持開幕儀式暨分發政府福利援助金的活動上致詞時,發表上述談話。

她相信馬華大港區會婦女組設立的輔導室,將能為大港區的婦女和兒童提供有素質的輔導服務。
沙白110人獲福利援助金
她說,在沙白縣福利局配合下,共有110人在週六分發的福利援助金下受惠,今年11月份分發的總援助金共2萬7650令吉。

她說,政府十分關注所有需要援助的一群,尤其是殘障人士、老人、單親媽媽和小孩。為了確保提供援助的管道能全面有效及快速處理,首相署研究及推行小組正籌備設立一個主要的電子愛心資料中心。

週六早上出席此活動者包括馬華全國婦女兒童援助局主任周麗玉、馬華大港區會婦女組主席張亞蓮、馬華大港區會主席郭誠輝、區團團長潘有禮、沙白縣福利官諾拉蒂卡、聯邦A村村長韋東、B村村長吳海發和海口村長謝湖平等等。

張亞蓮:成立輔導室提供諮詢
馬華大港區會婦女組主席張亞蓮指出,區會婦女組成立兒童、婦女援助輔導室的主要目的是協助弱質婦孺,提供諮詢,在他們需要幫助時,給予關懷與援助。

她說,尤其是在鄉村及漁村的婦孺,往往遇到家暴、婚姻及孩子的問題,或是生活上的困難,都不知從甚麼管道尋求協助。

張亞蓮是在兒童、婦女援助輔導家開幕儀式暨分發福利援助金活動上致詞時這麼說。

她表示,大港區女婦女組在今年派出4名執委到總部接收5次的輔導訓練課程,她們是李梅珠、鄭雅允、李紹英和她本人。

她說,雖然我們不是全職或專業的輔導員。但是,我們可以透過耐心的聆聽,以緩和求助者的情緒,扮演橋樑角色,必要時,以最快的時間,安排求助者向警方、法律顧問及福利部求助。

婦女組“少數服從多數”通過議案‧建議中委會總辭重選

星洲日报 2009-11-01 18:30


周美芬(前排中)在大部份中委陪同下,在記者會上公佈會議的議決。前排左起:組織秘書陳清涼、副主席拿督沈清玉、曾亞英、總秘書王賽芝;右起:總財政周淑媛、副主席拿督林美嬌、拿督李碧真及署理主席尤綽韜。(圖:星洲日報)

(吉隆坡)馬華婦女組中委會今日(週日,11月1日)在少數服從多數情況下,通過“建議所有馬華中委會總辭,以促成馬華中委會重選”的議決案,以一勞永逸解決現有馬華的紛爭及贏回馬華尊嚴。

舉手方式表決
馬華婦女組中委會共討論多項課題,惟在上述課題中出現不一致的看法,最終決定以舉手方式表決,並在26票同意對18票反對,及4人棄權下,通過這項議決。

馬華婦女組中委會共有54人,而出席週日會議者共有48人。

馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴都卡周美芬在主持約6小時會議後表示,中委會是基於避免中央代表需勞碌奔波出席多次特大,提出上述建議。

她說,她將把婦女組中委會的議決案提呈到下週二的馬華中委會議。

不過,她拒絕透露表決詳情,並在宣讀中委會議決案後,拒絕回答其它問題。“這(拒絕回答其它問題)是會議的決定,我要遵守,其它人要發言是她們的選擇。”

她說,中委會是以開誠布公方式進行,所有人都可以發言。

被視為“挺翁派”的婦女組總秘書王賽芝及檳州主席陳清涼,在會後接受記者追訪時,則表示認同翁詩傑之前宣佈的團結方案。

另一方面,周美芬說,中委會也一致通過“沒人可超越特別代表大會及黨章,特大的議決必須得到尊重”的議決案。

她說,這項議案是針對雙十特大的表決結果。

周美芬是在大部份中委陪同下主持記者會,出席者包括王賽芝和陳清涼等。

“憲法賦予學母語權利”周美芬贊同首相聲明

周美芬指出,馬華婦女組對首相拿督斯里納吉指除非國人準備改變,否則不推行單一源流教育的聲明表示歡迎。

“我們的秉持原則及看法是,在聯邦憲法下,人民被賦予學習母語的權利。”

她透露,婦女組中委已授權給她和P1w1max公司洽談,要求對方停播有辱女性尊嚴的“你割咗味”廣告;若對方繼續播放,馬華婦女組不排除將號召所有女性杯葛這間公司的產品。

針對吉蘭丹行政議員萬烏百達奧瑪提出“馬來男子可使用固打迎娶單親媽媽”的建議,周美芬說,馬華婦女組不贊成“一夫多妻”制,若有意要協助單親媽媽,可鼓勵她們參加培訓計劃,讓她們學習獨立。

“雖然我們鼓勵男性迎娶單親母親,但不是為了填補固打;我們不接受一夫多妻制。”

Polygamy Not The Answer, Says Wanita MCA

The star News : Sunday November 1, 2009
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/1/nation/5021315&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: Polygamy does not address the woes of needy single mothers, says Wanita MCA.

Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said there were better ways to help needy single mothers, such as offering microcredit loans or skills training for them to be financially independent. She said this in response to a suggestion made by a woman PAS leader recently.

“PAS Kelantan executive councillor Wan Ubaidah Omar could also propose that the state government adopt families of needy single mothers by providing financial help and educational needs, provided these families meet the criteria to qualify for such government aid,” she said in a statement on Friday.

She said Wanita MCA was astonished with Wan Ubaidah’s proposal that Muslim men could increase their “quota” by marrying single mothers with young children, and that lawmakers should be rewarded for doing so.

“Such a statement reflects an outdated mindset that is not at all progressive for women.”
Chew said a second or subsequent marriage might even lead to the first marriage falling apart.

“Wan Ubaidah’s proposal does not solve problems, but creates new maladies.”— Bernama

Wanita MCA- A marriage is NOT meant to be spousal-quota-centric: Polygamy does not address woes of needy single mothers

Press statement by Wanita MCA chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun expressing distaste at the suggestion by PAS Kelantan EXCO Wan Zubaidah Omar that Muslim men marry single mothers

Wanita MCA is astonished at the chauvinistic proposal by PAS Kelantan Executive Councillor Wan Ubaidah Omar that Muslim men should “increase (their) quota” by marrying single mothers with young children and that lawmakers should be rewarded for doing so. Adding insult to injury is that such a statement was encouraged by a female which reflects an outdated mindset that is not at all progressive for women. If a man, especially a lawmaker is indeed sincere in helping a needy single mother, he will not expect any form of reward from the government through a polygamous marriage.

There are no guarantees that a married man entering matrimony with a second or third or fourth wife does so with the altruistic intention of looking after the welfare of her children. Legitimizing a polygamous marriage may be used as a façade justification but may inadvertently lead to the first marriage falling apart. Wan Ubaidah’s proposal does not solve problems, but creates new maladies. She should not treat helping single mother as a done deal, i.e conveniently acquiring another wife.

Furthermore, it does not matter what age the single mothers or children are. So long as they are deserving of any form of aid irrespective if the single mother has young or adolescent children, the government should assist them.

There are better ways to help needy single mothers. For example, Wan Ubaidah should have used her state government position as Kelantan’s Women, Family and Health committee chairman to come up with programmes like micro-credit loans or skills training for single mothers to help them be financially independent. She could also propose that the state government adopt families of needy single mothers by providing financial help and education needs provided that these families have met the criteria to qualify for such government aid.



文告 - 马华妇女组全国主席,拿汀巴杜卡周美芬

马华妇女组针对日前吉兰丹州行政议员旺烏拜達发表鼓励该州有能力的男性回教徒,实现他们的婚姻“配额”,协助迎娶该州的寡妇或单亲妈妈为妾并可以得到州政府的表扬感到讶异及不可思议。

马华妇女组表示该项建议不但匪夷所思,而且还是出自一位女性州议员感到极致荒唐。这是对我国女性在争取性别平等的努力上的一项打击, 再者, 如果男人或决策者真心诚意想协助单亲妈妈的话,他们是不会期待政府给予奖赏或有关的单亲妈妈给予回报或以身相许的。

马华妇女组也认为就算在一段多配偶制的婚姻里,孩子们的福利也不一定保证会被重视及关怀。除此之外,为了照顾单亲妈妈而鼓励一夫多妻,可能会间接的造成男方与第一任妻子的分离。因此,旺烏拜達的建议完全无法有效的解决现有的问题,反而制造新的问题,除此,她也不应该把协助单亲妈妈视为一种交易,让男士可以非常轻易与合理的"买到"另一位妻子。

另外,马华妇女组也强调不管该州的单亲妈妈处于什么样的年龄及不管是否拥有孩子在身边,政府都必须一视同仁的给与他们协助。我们认为除了以上匪夷所思的办法以外, 该州还有更好的方法来协助他们。例如,身为该州妇女,家庭及卫生委员会主席的旺烏拜達,应该通过州政府拨出更多的资源来协助单亲妈妈,尤其是成立微型贷款来协助他们从商或主办技能训练课程来加强她们在社会上的竟争能力,好让她们日后能自力更生。她也可以建议州政府协助该州所有符合政府援助条件的单亲妈妈及他们的家庭成员,适当给与他们金钱及技能上的援助,让他们能抬起头做人, 迎向美好的未来。