东方日报 22/2/2010
周美芬吁勿存保护主义
（八打灵再也21日讯）妇女，家庭及社会发展部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬希望大家勿存有传统的过于保护主义，因为无论是国家，政党或社团，都是在为民服务，而非属于任何一个团体。 她是针对早前指华团或取代马华地位的报道回应时，如是指出。
“华团领袖可以直接和内阁领袖沟通，这开创了 ‘无障碍沟通’. 华团或其他社团可以代表华社和政治领袖沟通，而政党则可通过政治管道协助人民。” 她是在出席马来西亚留台校友会联合总会新春团拜后，如是表示。
她也指出，现在的大马政治局面或许有些乱，但她仍有乐观心态面对。
“虽然现在的局面有些乱，但是却出现了前所末有的新现象，如新的政治文化，新的政治模式，新的社团或政党的定位， 种族关系的变化等，都在成长著。”
询及与华团妇女组的关系情况时，周美芬表示她不仅和华团妇女组关系非常融合，连妇女援助中心 （ WAO ）和回教姐妹组织 （ Sister In Islam ） 也常联系及合作，最近更曾一起商讨妇女膳养费课题。
“为解决妇女膳养费问题，我们欢迎政府为回教徒妇女设立1500万令吉的基金，以支付长达6个月的赡养费予前夫拒绝提供赡养费的单亲妈妈，但基于其他宗教与种族的单亲妈妈同样卖弄对类似的问题，因此建议政府也设立同样的基金为非回教徒单亲妈妈提供援助。”
惟 ， 从长远来看， 我们认为必须设立一个机制以一劳永逸的解决问题，因此她已向它部门部长献议研究仿效澳洲成立儿童/家庭支援系统， 获得部长的积极反应。
注：红色字体为修正后的版本
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
馬華婦女組將呈大會議案 执行委员不可隨意換
中国报 http://www.chinapress.com.my/content_new.asp?dt=2010-02-23&sec=mas&art=0223md20.txt
（吉隆坡22日訊）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬披露，婦女組在下個月馬華大會中，提出其中一項議案是限制總會長和黨中央臂膀領導人，不得隨意撤除所委任的执行委员。
她指出，根據黨章第75、78A、101和104A條文，支會和區會主席如果要撤換所委任的执行委员，都需要召開支會或區會代表大會尋求通過，而不得任意撤換。
“不過中央卻不受上述條例限制，所以我們婦女組中央領袖認為中央應當和支會和區會一致。”
她說，馬華婦女組認為，馬華問題都應以正面角度處理，而如有不足之處，也應給予糾正。
她出席甲洞美娜園小販公會和INDIGO酒店為95名貧老、孤兒和殘障人士歡度新春后，受記者詢問3月舉行的馬華大會籌備工作時，如是指出。
詢及上述議案是否會受代表反對時，她說，看不到代表有反對的理由。
“如果有反對者，可能只有相關擁有委任權力者，但我相信大多數沒有委任權的黨員，都會支持這項議案。”
她重申，這項議案並沒有針對性，因為身為馬華婦女組主席的她，一旦在議案獲得通過，也代表其權力也受限。
婦女部與多个部門合作2年助逾4萬人脫貧
(pic: CFL)
婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說，婦女部正和農業部及人力資源等多个部門合作整合援助計劃，以在1至2年內，讓4萬4000戶赤貧家庭脫貧。
她說，政府未來援助模式將不再是給錢而已，反觀會著重在開發潛能，通過赤貧家庭分析，探討最可行方案，協助他們自力更生，如透過農業部教導如何耕種及家禽或提供貸款等。
至于人資部則將協助他們尋找工作。
她也說，援助計劃，也不僅注重赤貧家庭家長，而會包括他們的孩子，因只要孩子尋找到適宜工作，相關家庭將很快脫離貧窮。
她出席甲洞美娜園小販公會和INDIGO酒店為95名貧老、孤兒和殘障人士歡度新春后，這么指出。
探討如何整合
出席者尚包括馬華甲洞區婦女組主席拿督黃素珠、民政黨甲洞區部主席馬偉祺、民政直轄區青年團長劉開強、馬青甲洞區團團長葉天海和美娜園小販公會主席楊勝志等。
她披露，婦女、家庭及社會發展部長拿督斯里莎麗扎在上週，已跟相關部長開議，探討如何整合，使脫貧計劃取得事半功倍效果。
她也說，政府準備推行的消費稅並不會對貧困家庭造成沖擊，因政府依然為統制品提供補貼。
“一旦政府成功調整經濟架構，提高國人收入后，我國有望制定最低薪金制，使低收入者受保障。”
注：红色字体为修正后的版本
（吉隆坡22日訊）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬披露，婦女組在下個月馬華大會中，提出其中一項議案是限制總會長和黨中央臂膀領導人，不得隨意撤除所委任的执行委员。
她指出，根據黨章第75、78A、101和104A條文，支會和區會主席如果要撤換所委任的执行委员，都需要召開支會或區會代表大會尋求通過，而不得任意撤換。
“不過中央卻不受上述條例限制，所以我們婦女組中央領袖認為中央應當和支會和區會一致。”
她說，馬華婦女組認為，馬華問題都應以正面角度處理，而如有不足之處，也應給予糾正。
她出席甲洞美娜園小販公會和INDIGO酒店為95名貧老、孤兒和殘障人士歡度新春后，受記者詢問3月舉行的馬華大會籌備工作時，如是指出。
詢及上述議案是否會受代表反對時，她說，看不到代表有反對的理由。
“如果有反對者，可能只有相關擁有委任權力者，但我相信大多數沒有委任權的黨員，都會支持這項議案。”
她重申，這項議案並沒有針對性，因為身為馬華婦女組主席的她，一旦在議案獲得通過，也代表其權力也受限。
婦女部與多个部門合作2年助逾4萬人脫貧
(pic: CFL)
婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說，婦女部正和農業部及人力資源等多个部門合作整合援助計劃，以在1至2年內，讓4萬4000戶赤貧家庭脫貧。
她說，政府未來援助模式將不再是給錢而已，反觀會著重在開發潛能，通過赤貧家庭分析，探討最可行方案，協助他們自力更生，如透過農業部教導如何耕種及家禽或提供貸款等。
至于人資部則將協助他們尋找工作。
她也說，援助計劃，也不僅注重赤貧家庭家長，而會包括他們的孩子，因只要孩子尋找到適宜工作，相關家庭將很快脫離貧窮。
她出席甲洞美娜園小販公會和INDIGO酒店為95名貧老、孤兒和殘障人士歡度新春后，這么指出。
探討如何整合
出席者尚包括馬華甲洞區婦女組主席拿督黃素珠、民政黨甲洞區部主席馬偉祺、民政直轄區青年團長劉開強、馬青甲洞區團團長葉天海和美娜園小販公會主席楊勝志等。
她披露，婦女、家庭及社會發展部長拿督斯里莎麗扎在上週，已跟相關部長開議，探討如何整合，使脫貧計劃取得事半功倍效果。
她也說，政府準備推行的消費稅並不會對貧困家庭造成沖擊，因政府依然為統制品提供補貼。
“一旦政府成功調整經濟架構，提高國人收入后，我國有望制定最低薪金制，使低收入者受保障。”
注：红色字体为修正后的版本
周美芬要提统一组织 采取同样任免权程序
光华日报 http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2010/02/22/88.html
二零一零年二月二十二日
周美芬认为党中央应与支、区会采取一样的任免权程序。
（吉隆坡22日讯）马华妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬称，将在306举办的妇女组常年代表大会上，要求检讨党中央参考党章第75、78A、101及104A条文，并全面统一各级组织在委任及终止委任的权力。
“各级组织即从支会、区会到中央在任免权及所经过的程序必须一致，这样做就不会让人感觉支会和区会严谨，但中央却是另一面。”
有鉴于此，她认为党中央应与支、区会采取同样的任免权程序，才不会让人觉得马华一党拥有两个制度。
她是在周日晚出席新春慈善活动时，如是指出。
二零一零年二月二十二日
周美芬认为党中央应与支、区会采取一样的任免权程序。
（吉隆坡22日讯）马华妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬称，将在306举办的妇女组常年代表大会上，要求检讨党中央参考党章第75、78A、101及104A条文，并全面统一各级组织在委任及终止委任的权力。
“各级组织即从支会、区会到中央在任免权及所经过的程序必须一致，这样做就不会让人感觉支会和区会严谨，但中央却是另一面。”
有鉴于此，她认为党中央应与支、区会采取同样的任免权程序，才不会让人觉得马华一党拥有两个制度。
她是在周日晚出席新春慈善活动时，如是指出。
助赤贫者迈向经济独立 妇女部实行“生产力福利”
(pic:CFL)
2010/02/22 6:25:18 PM ●南洋商报
http://www.nanyang.com.my/Newscenter/articledetail.asp?type=N&ID=127502&sID=7&cID=10
（吉隆坡22日讯）妇女、家庭及社会发展部实行“生产力福利”计划，以协助我国赤贫人士迈向经济独立。该部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬说，政府不再单靠提供福利予赤贫人士，反之开发他们的潜能，让他们在2 年内无需依赖政府，摆脱穷困。
“我们会确认每个家庭的需求，教导他们通过农业和种植赚钱，同时人力资源部也会协助他们找到合适的工作。”
周美芬是出席甲洞美娜园小贩公会及Indigo Inn联办的新春慈善活动后，在记者会上说，部长早前已召集相关内阁部长，包括农业部、联邦直辖区部及人力资源部等，商讨如何协助赤贫人士。
她说，该部目前致力协助4 万4000人从赤贫转移至贫穷阶段，最终目标是要他们达致经济独立。
“我们的电子资料库会鉴定他们，一旦脱离赤贫，名字就会被删除。”
政府每年拨8 亿充福利金
周美芬相信，国内仍有许多贫穷人士，不过部门暂时将专注4 万4000人。
她也说，政府每年拨出8 亿令吉作为每月福利金，而去年也拨出7 亿1400万令吉福利金，其中一半是给予长者。
会上，共有95名长者、孤儿及残障人士受惠，当局除了准备美食外，也派发红包，让他们感染佳节气氛。
Issues faced by Child Care Operators in the Application for Operating License
Welcome Note from YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
23 February 2010
Issues faced by Child Care Operators in the Application for Operating License
1. A very good morning to all of you. Xin Nien Kwai Le to those celebrating Chinese New Year.
2. First and foremost, I sincerely thank all of you for taking time off your busy schedule to participate in this morning’s roundtable discussion on issues faced by child care operators in the application for operating license. Also we apologise for any inconvenience caused in the re-scheduling of this roundtable meeting.
3. Child Care Centres or more well known as “taska” is important on 2 grounds. Firstly, it plays an important role in nurturing young children especially in their early developmental years. Secondly, the taska facilitates participation of women in the labour workforce. Statistic in 2005 showed that 58.1% of women in the labour workforce are married[1]. Given the traditional gender role stereotypes, working mothers carry the additional burden of assuming the nurturing role.
4. As more women enter into the labour market, there is a corresponding higher demand for child care centres. In cases where both parents work, there is a need for more taska in meeting the increasing demand for support in child care. This is an issue which relates to empowering women to make informed decisions about their lives and has been championed by many women’s organisations. Guided by the intention to create a conducive environment for women to work, the Government has made numerous initiatives to encourage the setting up of more taska as child care support for families with both working parents.
5. Hence, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (MWFCD) made amendments to the Child Care Act 1984 in 2007. Amongst others:
a. Expanded the existing range of categories of child care centres to include workplace-based and community-based child care centres in addition to the previous two categories of home-based and institution-based child care centres.
b. Extended duration of license from 12 months to 60 months.
6. All these efforts are intended to ease the setting up of more taska for child care operators. At the same time, the government has decided to set up 10 community-based taska every year and now there are a total of 36 Taska Community throughout the country, e.g. Taska Komuniti Kompleks Penyayang Bakti in Sungai Buloh.
7. However, even though efforts have been made to improve provisions in the Child Care Act which falls under the jurisdiction of Jabatan Kebajikan Malaysia of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, however the setting up of a taska involves 3 other technical agencies as well- namely local authorities, Bomba and Jabatan Kesihatan.
8. It is important to note that concerted efforts by the Government, private and business entities or even social organisations in contributing to child development may be halted if interested child care operators face daunting challenges in setting up child care centres, especially in relation to getting approval from local authorities. For example,
a. The differing sets of provision, rules and regulations amongst local authorities pose a great challenge to prospective child care operators when requirements for approval are not streamlined;
b. Variation in levy and license fees imposed on child care operators by select local authorities.
c. A range of requirements by local authorities from the need to apply for business license from local authority, need to change residential status to institution, need to fulfil the condition of parking lots, residential houses prohibited from running child care, prohibition of setting up taska in shops and businesses complexes.
d. Exorbitant fees to build child care centres in residential areas.
9. Aside from various challenges arising from obtaining approval from local authorities, additional requirement of getting approval from the Department of Land and Surveys and requirement by the Bomba for second set of stairways in double storey houses delay the license application process further.
10. Therefore, in view of the range of issues faced by child care operators, we have called for this roundtable meeting with all key stakeholders. We need to sit down as a small group to further understand, discuss and resolve critical issues faced by child care operators in their application for operating license when dealing with different agencies by not compromising on the quality of service and most importantly the safety of all the children. For example,
a. Even with the 2007 amendment of the Child Care Act 1984, there is a pertinent need to find a practical solution to address non-uniformity in the requirements for approval by local authorities. Given that local authorities have their own jurisdiction and own set of provisions and regulations, it is rather difficult for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in attempting to streamline the diverse sets of standards for approval.
b. On levy and licensing fees, the rates should be kept low and streamlined across all local authorities as the taska industry should be viewed as a social service industry which benefits society and not merely as a profiteering commercial industry.
c. We need to identify a plausible solution whereby land could to be reserved for the setting up of taska at a fraction of the commercial price.
11. As a start, Wanita MCA will mobilise its division leaders and members to advocate for uniformity of requirements for approvals by local authorities and attempt to bring changes through dialogues with relevant stakeholders and submission of memorandums collating input on challenges faced by child care centre operators in their application for operating license. In addition, building on input from this roundtable discussion and feedback from the ground in various divisions, Wanita MCA will draft a Memorandum detailing key challenges faced and recommendations to ease license application process of child care operators, and we will present to relevant Ministries and agencies, state governments and local authorities.
12. We are privileged to have the honour of your presence this morning. We truly believe your invaluable input would benefit all of us and most importantly participation supports our effort to ease the process of setting up child care centres and to facilitate a friendly child care support for working families.
Thank you.
23 February 2010
Issues faced by Child Care Operators in the Application for Operating License
1. A very good morning to all of you. Xin Nien Kwai Le to those celebrating Chinese New Year.
2. First and foremost, I sincerely thank all of you for taking time off your busy schedule to participate in this morning’s roundtable discussion on issues faced by child care operators in the application for operating license. Also we apologise for any inconvenience caused in the re-scheduling of this roundtable meeting.
3. Child Care Centres or more well known as “taska” is important on 2 grounds. Firstly, it plays an important role in nurturing young children especially in their early developmental years. Secondly, the taska facilitates participation of women in the labour workforce. Statistic in 2005 showed that 58.1% of women in the labour workforce are married[1]. Given the traditional gender role stereotypes, working mothers carry the additional burden of assuming the nurturing role.
4. As more women enter into the labour market, there is a corresponding higher demand for child care centres. In cases where both parents work, there is a need for more taska in meeting the increasing demand for support in child care. This is an issue which relates to empowering women to make informed decisions about their lives and has been championed by many women’s organisations. Guided by the intention to create a conducive environment for women to work, the Government has made numerous initiatives to encourage the setting up of more taska as child care support for families with both working parents.
5. Hence, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (MWFCD) made amendments to the Child Care Act 1984 in 2007. Amongst others:
a. Expanded the existing range of categories of child care centres to include workplace-based and community-based child care centres in addition to the previous two categories of home-based and institution-based child care centres.
b. Extended duration of license from 12 months to 60 months.
6. All these efforts are intended to ease the setting up of more taska for child care operators. At the same time, the government has decided to set up 10 community-based taska every year and now there are a total of 36 Taska Community throughout the country, e.g. Taska Komuniti Kompleks Penyayang Bakti in Sungai Buloh.
7. However, even though efforts have been made to improve provisions in the Child Care Act which falls under the jurisdiction of Jabatan Kebajikan Malaysia of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, however the setting up of a taska involves 3 other technical agencies as well- namely local authorities, Bomba and Jabatan Kesihatan.
8. It is important to note that concerted efforts by the Government, private and business entities or even social organisations in contributing to child development may be halted if interested child care operators face daunting challenges in setting up child care centres, especially in relation to getting approval from local authorities. For example,
a. The differing sets of provision, rules and regulations amongst local authorities pose a great challenge to prospective child care operators when requirements for approval are not streamlined;
b. Variation in levy and license fees imposed on child care operators by select local authorities.
c. A range of requirements by local authorities from the need to apply for business license from local authority, need to change residential status to institution, need to fulfil the condition of parking lots, residential houses prohibited from running child care, prohibition of setting up taska in shops and businesses complexes.
d. Exorbitant fees to build child care centres in residential areas.
9. Aside from various challenges arising from obtaining approval from local authorities, additional requirement of getting approval from the Department of Land and Surveys and requirement by the Bomba for second set of stairways in double storey houses delay the license application process further.
10. Therefore, in view of the range of issues faced by child care operators, we have called for this roundtable meeting with all key stakeholders. We need to sit down as a small group to further understand, discuss and resolve critical issues faced by child care operators in their application for operating license when dealing with different agencies by not compromising on the quality of service and most importantly the safety of all the children. For example,
a. Even with the 2007 amendment of the Child Care Act 1984, there is a pertinent need to find a practical solution to address non-uniformity in the requirements for approval by local authorities. Given that local authorities have their own jurisdiction and own set of provisions and regulations, it is rather difficult for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in attempting to streamline the diverse sets of standards for approval.
b. On levy and licensing fees, the rates should be kept low and streamlined across all local authorities as the taska industry should be viewed as a social service industry which benefits society and not merely as a profiteering commercial industry.
c. We need to identify a plausible solution whereby land could to be reserved for the setting up of taska at a fraction of the commercial price.
11. As a start, Wanita MCA will mobilise its division leaders and members to advocate for uniformity of requirements for approvals by local authorities and attempt to bring changes through dialogues with relevant stakeholders and submission of memorandums collating input on challenges faced by child care centre operators in their application for operating license. In addition, building on input from this roundtable discussion and feedback from the ground in various divisions, Wanita MCA will draft a Memorandum detailing key challenges faced and recommendations to ease license application process of child care operators, and we will present to relevant Ministries and agencies, state governments and local authorities.
12. We are privileged to have the honour of your presence this morning. We truly believe your invaluable input would benefit all of us and most importantly participation supports our effort to ease the process of setting up child care centres and to facilitate a friendly child care support for working families.
Thank you.
周美芬：統一收費‧簡化托兒所執照申請
(pic: MCA Wanita)
光明日報 · 2010.02.23
（吉隆坡）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬表示，馬華婦女組將通过各区会妇女组与有关地区的县市议会协调托兒所執照收費及申請程序，以解决某些县市议会收取过高的执照费的问题，同时减少行政上繁文縟節，以简化并加速申请设立托儿所的批准程序。
（吉隆坡）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬表示，馬華婦女組將通过各区会妇女组与有关地区的县市议会协调托兒所執照收費及申請程序，以解决某些县市议会收取过高的执照费的问题，同时减少行政上繁文縟節，以简化并加速申请设立托儿所的批准程序。
馬華妇女组政治策略局今日（週二，2月23日）與非政府組織、福利局、消拯局、吉隆坡市政局、衛生局、八打靈再也市政廳、托兒所公會及幼兒園公會，針對托兒所申請注冊事宜進行圓桌會議交談。
周美芬指出，由於很多家庭都是雙薪家庭，女性在就業方面，面對孩子沒人照顧的問題，因此她認為職場應該提供良好的環境，設立托兒所以協助照顧她們的孩子。
她表示，政府在2007年修改1984年托兒所法令後，多項條例已作出修改包括延長托兒所執照更新期限，從原有的每年更新延長至5年、簡化申請執照程序、批准各類型托兒所設立、在政府機構設立托兒所，以及鼓勵私人機構設立托兒所以享有稅務優惠措施。
同時，政府也提高設立托兒所經費從原本的5萬令吉提高至8萬令吉。
不同地區行政偏差所致
儘管如此，不同地區的縣市議會在行政上卻出現偏差，“一些縣市議會把托兒定義為社會服務，一些則定義為商業服務，若以商業服務定義就得被征收更高的執照費用，造成托兒所無法提供消費者更合理的價格。”
她以八打靈再也市政廳為例，當局每年征收1000令吉執照費，而檳城市議會卻是根據托兒所的面積大小來收費，因此一些托兒所的執照收費高達五六千令吉不等。
此外，一些市議會要求托兒所業者更新執照的期限也不劃一，無視法令修改，還是要求業者每年更新執照。
與此同時，為了減少申請執照的繁文縟節，原本是由社會福利局全國總監批准申請的權力也將下放至各州的福利局主任。
周美芬透露，目前整個工作程序已經準備妥當，將會在3月下旬，率先在3個地區實行，包括雪蘭莪、直轄區及森美蘭。
她指出，要開設托兒所必須先租到房子及獲得縣市議會的批准，即便是已繳交按柜金，一旦當地居民提出反對，也無法獲得執照，造成托兒所業者的損失。
因此，周美芬建議任何的房屋發展除了應該設有幼稚園保留地，也應該保留托兒所保留地。她也建議福利局更頻密推出一站式批准中心，協助快速處理執照批准工作。
中国报 23/2/2010
周美芬：免引混淆托兒所條例應統一
（吉隆坡23日訊）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，地方政府有必要統一托兒所條例，包括執照更新期限、收費等，以便有助托兒所發展。
她說，由于目前越來越多雙薪家庭，夫妻兩人都工作，所以托兒所需求量也隨之增加。
她指出，托兒所事務涉及多個政府單位，除了婦女、家庭及社會發展部，還包括地方政府、福利局、衛生局、消防及拯救局等。
僅421托兒所注冊
“由于地方政府對托兒所的管制條例未統一，例如托兒所執照收費及更新執照期限等，令人混淆。”
她舉例，社会福利局已經把托兒所執照更新期限，從原本的12個增至60個月，可是一些地方政府在执照方面仍執行本身條例，設定不同期限。
“此外，各地方政府以不同標準徵收執照費，有者是統一收費，有些地方政府則是胥視托兒所面積收費。”
因此，周美芬認為，政府有必要統一對托兒所實施的條例，才有利托兒所發展。
周美芬也是婦女社會部副部長，她今日主持托兒所課題圓桌會議后，在記者會上這麼指出。
她透露，馬華婦女組政治策略局與各相關單位及托兒所業者開會，旨在探討政府政策及法令，找出更有效方法，增加托兒所數量及確保他們提供優質服務。
“目前全國共有數千間托兒所，可是向福利局注冊的只有421間。”
她說，政府將在3月底，在雪蘭莪、吉隆坡及森美蘭推出注册批准权利下放予州社会福利局局长的標準作業程序，協調托兒所注冊事務，一旦證實這項標準作業程序有效發揮作用，政府將推廣到其他州屬實行。
她也透露，政府已修改2007年托兒所法令，以便福利局總監下放批准托兒所注冊的權力至州福利局主任，更快速處理申請。
阿末沙指女性礙國家發展周美芬：證據呢？
周美芬對全國公共及民事雇員職工會總秘書阿末沙發表“公共領域出現越來越多女性決策者影響國家發展及成長”的歧視言論，感到震驚。
她宣讀文告時，質問阿末沙如何證明越來越多女性擔任決策者會為國家帶來令人擔憂的結果，並建議他別活在自己的恐龍時代。
她續而指出阿末沙所發表的言論是危言聳聽，因為從24個政府部門中，只有兩個部門秘書長是女性（8.3%），部門屬下70個局中只有12名總監（17.1%）及在71個法定機構里只有11名女性主管（15.5%）。
她說，馬華婦女組強烈譴責並嚴厲抗議，阿末沙發表如此性別歧視性的言論。
她質疑，該會如何能夠稱職的扮演公共及民事雇員的代表角色，不分種族、性別，客觀的為全體雇員謀求福利。
她說，雖然我國在女性受教育方面取得良好成效，在2009年兩性鴻溝指標中排名第77，然而由于在政治和經濟領域領導方面仍然有待提升，而使得我國整體指標從2008年的第96位下降到101位。
雪隆森3月开跑 托儿所批准权下放
2010/02/23 6:55:11 PM ●南洋商报
（吉隆坡23日讯）下个月起，雪兰莪、吉隆坡、森美兰将率先落实2007年托儿所（修正）法令，把批准托儿所营业执照的权限，从原本全国唯一的福利局总监，下放至各州社会福利局局长。
妇女、家庭及社会发展部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬说，这是2007年托儿所（修正）法令获得国会通过后，最重要的改革措施。她透露，雪、隆、森在3月尾开始落实这项改革后，若一切顺利，就会尽快推广到全国各州。
统一托儿所管理条例
周美芬也是马华妇女组主席。她今日在马华中央党部主持设立托儿所新措施圆桌会议后，在记者会上这么说。出席会议的还包括马华妇女组总秘书王赛芝，以及来自吉隆坡及雪兰莪消拯局、吉隆坡市政厅、八打灵再也市议会、卫生局、福利局的代表。
她说，政府已为托儿所业者提供多项便利，鼓励政府及私人机构设立更多托儿所，造福职业女性。
她指出，目前各地政府对托儿所的管理呈现五花八门、各有各法的混乱局面，导致托儿所业者无所适从，马华妇女组将协助协调各地方政府，以求制定与中央统一的托儿所管理条例。
她强调，马华妇女组将动员全国区会领袖，与各地的县市议会商谈与中央统一的托儿所管理条例。
她希望各区会马华妇女组主席能率领妇女组同志，与当地的县市议会商讨统一的托儿所管理条例，以造福业者及急需托儿服务的母亲。
托儿所执照延长至5年
在2007年托儿所（修正）法令下，政府已将原本需每年更新的托儿所执照延长至5年。此外，修正法令也简化了新托儿所的成立程序，而财政预算案也将提供予公家机关设立托儿所的资助经费从5万增至8万令吉，同时也为设立托儿所的私人企业提供税务优惠。
但是，周美芬指出，各地方政府的托儿所管理条例仍各自为政，有者将托儿所当作社会服务领域，有者归类为商业机构，征收的执照费用有每年1000令吉，也有以土地面积收费，令业者大感混淆。
她透露，虽然政府实行了托儿所注册措施，但至今全国只有421间托儿所向福利局注册，照顾的儿童只有1万142人，远远不及实际人数及托儿所数目。
注：红色字体为修正后的版本。
玻中恢復5節華文正課‧周美芬：感激大臣協助
周美芬（前右）與末依沙沙布（前左）在互相看對手的手機短訊。（圖：星洲日報）
（玻璃市‧加央）針對加央玻璃市中學發生華語科目每週減少的問題，馬華玻州聯委會主席拿汀巴督卡周美芬感謝玻州務大臣拿督斯里末依沙沙布協助處理。
星洲日報／大北馬‧2010.02.18
（玻璃市‧加央）針對加央玻璃市中學發生華語科目每週減少的問題，馬華玻州聯委會主席拿汀巴督卡周美芬感謝玻州務大臣拿督斯里末依沙沙布協助處理。
周美芬早前在馬華玻州的新春大團拜後，這麼說。
她說，在末依沙的領導下，玻州國陣成員黨均能保持良好關係，大家竭盡努力，在良好合作氣氛下，把利惠人民的發展計劃逐步推行，讓人們受惠。
早前加央玻璃市中學由於不是國民型中學，使得原本每週華文節數5節被減少至3節，引起本州華社不滿。玻州馬華堅持要教育局恢復這所中學的華文節數。
馬華也要求州務大臣插手，教育局之後同意把3節排在正課，而另外2節排在正課以外，在積極爭取之下，此校獲得增加2名華文教師後，如今中四及中五的華文節數已經恢復5節的華文正課。至於預備班至初中三的華文節數還是沒有獲得解決，必須排在正課以外上課。
马华妇女组谴责并严厉抗议全国公共及民事雇员职工会总会总秘书性别歧视，质疑其维护职工权益的能力
新闻稿(24/2/10)
马华妇女组全国主席拿汀巴杜卡今日发表文告谴责并严厉抗议全国公共及民事雇员职工会总会总秘书阿末沙发表的有关“该总会对公共领域出现越来越多女性决策者感到担忧，并认为这个趋势在长远来看会对国家发展及成长产生一定影响”的歧视性言论。
马华妇女组对于这番落伍而严重歧视女性能力的言论竟然出自一名代表全国百万名公共及民事雇员职工的总秘书的口感觉震惊，并对该会如何能够称职的扮演公共及民事雇员的代表角色，不分种族、性别，客观的为全体公共及民事雇员谋求福利的能力表示质疑！由这种大男人主义思维的人领导这么一个重要的职工会将在国家不分性别全面开发人力资源，使国家在获得两性的努力下全面发展的努力受到严重打击！
马华妇女组要质问阿末沙如何证明越来越多女性担任决策者会为国家带来令人担忧的结果，并建议他别活在自己的恐龙时代，应拓宽视野，看看世界上有多少个国家在女性的领导之下获得良好的发展，也多了解联合国及国家全面提升妇女地位努力的原因。
他的言论违背了我国支持1995年北京世界妇女论坛，承诺为女性提供公平担任公共领域决策层职位机会的目标，同时也违反了国家于2004年8月所公布的朝妇女占决策层至少30%的国家政策！
我们对于在全世界公私领域都在热烈讨论妇女人权和两性平等课题已超过一世纪后的今天仍然有人发表类似言论觉得不可思议。
我们要提醒的是虽然我国在女性受教育方面取得了良好的成效，在2009年两性鸿沟指标中排名第77，然而由于在政治和经济领域的领导方面仍然有待提升而使得
我国在整体2009年两性鸿沟指标中从2008年的第96位下降到101位。
除此，目前国内位居决策层的女性人数与比例仍然远远的低于30%的目标，正如教专总秘书骆燕萍所指出，虽然女教师在比率上占多数，但教师职务的决策权仍然掌控在男决策者手中，这表示人数多并不一定会使到女性在有关领域的决策层人数增加。
从24个政府部门中只有两个部门的总秘书是女性（占8.3%），部门属下70个局中只有12名局总监（占17.1%）和在71个联邦法定机构里只有11名女性主管（占15.5%）中看来，阿末沙所发表的言论是危言耸听！
我们必须提醒他的是，妇女在国家经济发展上所做出的贡献并不低于男性，任何有智慧的国家领导人都会重视女性在国家发展所扮演的角色而全面开发女性人力资源。如果大家依旧存有类似阿末沙的思维，那政府在这方面的努力将无法达致而拖慢了国家的发展。
同时要纠正阿末沙的是30%决策权是一个目标不是一项固打，同时政府已从未如阿末沙所言般限制妇女只能占决策层的30%。
马华妇女组全国主席拿汀巴杜卡今日发表文告谴责并严厉抗议全国公共及民事雇员职工会总会总秘书阿末沙发表的有关“该总会对公共领域出现越来越多女性决策者感到担忧，并认为这个趋势在长远来看会对国家发展及成长产生一定影响”的歧视性言论。
马华妇女组对于这番落伍而严重歧视女性能力的言论竟然出自一名代表全国百万名公共及民事雇员职工的总秘书的口感觉震惊，并对该会如何能够称职的扮演公共及民事雇员的代表角色，不分种族、性别，客观的为全体公共及民事雇员谋求福利的能力表示质疑！由这种大男人主义思维的人领导这么一个重要的职工会将在国家不分性别全面开发人力资源，使国家在获得两性的努力下全面发展的努力受到严重打击！
马华妇女组要质问阿末沙如何证明越来越多女性担任决策者会为国家带来令人担忧的结果，并建议他别活在自己的恐龙时代，应拓宽视野，看看世界上有多少个国家在女性的领导之下获得良好的发展，也多了解联合国及国家全面提升妇女地位努力的原因。
他的言论违背了我国支持1995年北京世界妇女论坛，承诺为女性提供公平担任公共领域决策层职位机会的目标，同时也违反了国家于2004年8月所公布的朝妇女占决策层至少30%的国家政策！
我们对于在全世界公私领域都在热烈讨论妇女人权和两性平等课题已超过一世纪后的今天仍然有人发表类似言论觉得不可思议。
我们要提醒的是虽然我国在女性受教育方面取得了良好的成效，在2009年两性鸿沟指标中排名第77，然而由于在政治和经济领域的领导方面仍然有待提升而使得
我国在整体2009年两性鸿沟指标中从2008年的第96位下降到101位。
除此，目前国内位居决策层的女性人数与比例仍然远远的低于30%的目标，正如教专总秘书骆燕萍所指出，虽然女教师在比率上占多数，但教师职务的决策权仍然掌控在男决策者手中，这表示人数多并不一定会使到女性在有关领域的决策层人数增加。
从24个政府部门中只有两个部门的总秘书是女性（占8.3%），部门属下70个局中只有12名局总监（占17.1%）和在71个联邦法定机构里只有11名女性主管（占15.5%）中看来，阿末沙所发表的言论是危言耸听！
我们必须提醒他的是，妇女在国家经济发展上所做出的贡献并不低于男性，任何有智慧的国家领导人都会重视女性在国家发展所扮演的角色而全面开发女性人力资源。如果大家依旧存有类似阿末沙的思维，那政府在这方面的努力将无法达致而拖慢了国家的发展。
同时要纠正阿末沙的是30%决策权是一个目标不是一项固打，同时政府已从未如阿末沙所言般限制妇女只能占决策层的30%。
“女主管多有利無害”‧周美芬勸阿末沙無須擔憂
星洲日報‧國內 2010-02-23 10:12
（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）婦女、家庭及社會發展部長拿督斯里莎麗扎表示，全國公共及民事職工總會總秘書阿末沙不必擔心公共領域有愈來愈多女性決策者的問題，因為這會給國家經濟和公共服務素質帶來積極的影響。
她週一（2月22日）發表文告說，這些女性決策者不論是在稅收上還是家庭上，都會作出貢獻。
“此外，她們在個別的領域都是佼佼者，而這將直接地提昇公共領域的水平。”
女性決策權未達30%
與此同時，婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬在反駁阿末沙言論時則表示，目前距離實現“女性決策權佔30%”目標還有相當大的距離。
她接受《星洲日報》電話訪問時說，“我不知道他是以甚麼理由說出這番話，如果他認為女性不能擔當決策者，那他這句話對所有女性來說是極具歧視的。”
她坦言，基於大馬社會目前仍難以擺脫“男主外，女主內”傳統觀念的束縛，因此大馬女性要達致“女性決策權佔30%”的目標並非易事。
女性表現不比男人差
周美芬說，從職場及大學領域等的兩性比例及成就看來，如今女性的表現皆不比男人遜色，這足以證明女性在各方面所擁有的辦事能力並不比男人差。
“可惜的是，目前大馬女性仍深受傳統觀念的束縛，還沒辦法達到評估和委任他人職位的能力，因此我們婦女部才要求政府給女性30%決策權。”
Wanita MCA appalled by gender biased statement of Cuepacs Sec-Gen
Press Release by Wanita MCA in response to gender biased statement by Cuepacs Secretary General (24/2/2010)
Wanita MCA is appalled of the statement made by the Secretary-General of Cuepacs Ahmad Shah Mohd Zin that the upward trend of female employees in the civil service is a cause of concern and that it would implicate on the progress and growth of the nation in the long-run.
It is shocking that a leader of an NGO which represents civil servants expressed such a blatant gender biased position. Ahmad Shah Mohd Zin’s condescending and chauvinistic statement demonstrates sheer disregard and disrespect to women and women’s contribution to the nation. It also reflects utter lack of understanding on the actual state of female representation in decision-making positions and implications of gender dynamics.
As a secretary-general of an NGO, he is expected to represent the rights and interests of both women and men. Given his skewed position, it leaves one to wonder if decision-making within CUEPACS would ever be gender sensitive if not discriminatory towards women.
We would like to question on what basis was his statement that increasing dominance of female employees in the civil service will have long-term implications on progress and growth of the country?
Gender equality is increasingly recognised as an essential component of a modern growth strategy and for sustainable economic development. Women have notably contributed and are contributing to economic growth and social development of the country. As such, a wise administration would optimise all of its productive resources irrespective of gender to attain optimum growth. While true that both women and men should complement their skills and qualities, however, there should not be a presumption of a gender stereotyped order whereby it is alright for men lead while women take on the supportive role. Thus, it is imperative that the government recognises the significance of half the female force and its contribution to the growth and progress of the country.
As a government servant himself, we are surprised that he has not fully comprehended the national policy and its spirit of achieving at least 30% at all decision-making levels in Malaysia enunciated in August 2004 is a target and not a limiting quota of 30%. His inaccurate statement marks sheer disrespect towards government’s will and intention of increasing participation of women as reflected in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006 – 2010) and the government’s international pledge to the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action (BFPA) to ensure women’s equal access to and full participation in decision-making in government bodies and public administration entities, and to increase women’s capacity to participate in these arenas.
Wanita MCA National Chairman
Wanita MCA is appalled of the statement made by the Secretary-General of Cuepacs Ahmad Shah Mohd Zin that the upward trend of female employees in the civil service is a cause of concern and that it would implicate on the progress and growth of the nation in the long-run.
It is shocking that a leader of an NGO which represents civil servants expressed such a blatant gender biased position. Ahmad Shah Mohd Zin’s condescending and chauvinistic statement demonstrates sheer disregard and disrespect to women and women’s contribution to the nation. It also reflects utter lack of understanding on the actual state of female representation in decision-making positions and implications of gender dynamics.
As a secretary-general of an NGO, he is expected to represent the rights and interests of both women and men. Given his skewed position, it leaves one to wonder if decision-making within CUEPACS would ever be gender sensitive if not discriminatory towards women.
We would like to question on what basis was his statement that increasing dominance of female employees in the civil service will have long-term implications on progress and growth of the country?
Gender equality is increasingly recognised as an essential component of a modern growth strategy and for sustainable economic development. Women have notably contributed and are contributing to economic growth and social development of the country. As such, a wise administration would optimise all of its productive resources irrespective of gender to attain optimum growth. While true that both women and men should complement their skills and qualities, however, there should not be a presumption of a gender stereotyped order whereby it is alright for men lead while women take on the supportive role. Thus, it is imperative that the government recognises the significance of half the female force and its contribution to the growth and progress of the country.
As a government servant himself, we are surprised that he has not fully comprehended the national policy and its spirit of achieving at least 30% at all decision-making levels in Malaysia enunciated in August 2004 is a target and not a limiting quota of 30%. His inaccurate statement marks sheer disrespect towards government’s will and intention of increasing participation of women as reflected in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006 – 2010) and the government’s international pledge to the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action (BFPA) to ensure women’s equal access to and full participation in decision-making in government bodies and public administration entities, and to increase women’s capacity to participate in these arenas.
It is important to note 2 points- that Malaysia is still far from achieving gender equality and that the increasing participation of women in labour force does not correspondingly translate to higher proportion of women in decision-making.
(i) Malaysia has regressed in its overall rank over the years according to the Gender Gap Index 2009 [http://www.weforum.org/pdf/gendergap/rankings2009.pdf]- with the rank of 101 out of 134 countries, a drop from its rank at 96 in 2008, While Malaysia ranks average at 77 in terms of gender gap in educational attainment given the high awareness on the need in providing equal opportunity for education for girls, however the Malaysia’s gender gap remain wide in economic participation and opportunity and political empowerment 。
(ii) Concurring with Puan Lok Yim Pheng, Secretary-General of the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP), not only are decision-making positions within the teaching industry still dominated by men in spite of the higher ratio of female to male teachers, it is evident in the public sector. The dismal proportion of women in decision-making in the public sector speaks volumes despite increasing participation of women in the public sector, it remains an indisputable fact that men still dominate the public sector- 2 female secretary generals out of 24 ministries (8.3%), 12 female director generals out of 70 departments (17.1%) and 11 female chief executives out of 71 federal statutory bodies (15.5%)[Statistics on Women, Family & Social Welfare 2009].
The government’s efforts in achieving at least 30% of women in decision-making would be futile if such gender biased mindsets continue to permeate the society. The government’s target of achieving at least 30% women as decision-makers is well thought out and grounded on providing equal opportunities to women given the unequal playing field, glass ceiling and deep-rooted gender stereotypes which impede women’s career advancement despite notable qualifications and abilities, and also recognising the importance of gender perspective and women’s interest to ensure gender responsive policies both at formulation and implementation levels.
It is essential that the government continues to strive to achieve gender equality and to create a conducive environment for women to be educated, empowered and to give women equal opportunity not merely to contribute to the society but as decision-makers in all spheres. This would be not only in the spirit of “1 Malaysia” which is all-inclusive, and in line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme of “Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all” but also reflecting true democracy.
Datin Paduka Chew Mei FunWanita MCA National Chairman
The star News
Published: Tuesday February 23, 2010 MYT 8:56:00 PM
Women’s leaders slam Cuepacs chief’s sexist remark
PETALING JAYA: Wanita MCA and Wanita Gerakan are appalled by the gender-biased statement by Cuepacs secretary-general Ahmad Shah Mohd Zin, who complained about the upward trend of female employees in the civil service, as well as his alleged complete misreading of government policy on the issue.
Wanita MCA chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said Ahmad Shah’s condescending and chauvinistic statement demonstrated sheer disregard and disrespect for women and their contribution to nation-building.
She said it also reflected an utter lack of understanding of the actual state of female representation in decision-making positions and the implications of gender dynamics.
“It is shocking for a leader of an organisation which represents civil servants to express such a blatant gender-biased position,” she said in a statement Tuesday.
Chew was responding to reports about remarks by Ahmad Shah expressing concern over the increasing female profile in the civil service, saying it would have long-term implications on the progress and growth of the nation.
He was also quoted as saying that women civil servants tended to be inflexible and rigid, and thus were unable to provide effective and friendly service, besides their need to go on long leave after giving birth.
Chew said Ahmad Shah’s inaccurate statement showed sheer disrespect for the Government’s intention of increasing women’s participation in decision-making in Government institutions and public administration bodies.
“The Government’s efforts in achieving at least 30% of women in decision-making (positions) would be futile if such gender-biased mindsets continue to permeate society,” she said.
Chew said that Ahmad Shah did not fully comprehend the national policy.
The Cuepacs secretary-general had said that almost three quarters of new posts in the administrative and diplomatic service were being filled by women, claiming that this was “contrary to the present government policy to reserve only 30% of decision-making posts for women.”
The actual government policy is to have women in at least 30% of decision-making posts.
Chew said Ahmad Shah’s inaccurate statement was tantamount to “sheer disrespect towards the Government ... and its international pledge to the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action to ensure women’s equal access to and full participation in decision-making in government bodies and public administration entities.”
She noted that according to Gender Gap Index 2009, Malaysia’s overall rank had dropped to 101 last year from 96 in 2008.
Echoing Chew’s sentiment, Wanita Gerakan deputy chief Ng Siew Lai said it was wrong for Ahmad Shah to question or worry about too many females in the civil service.
“We should not worry too much about the current dominance of female employees in the civil service. This is the nature of progress of society. However, we must also take measures to encourage males to become civil servants,” Ng said.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
新春与老人有约
大年初二在马华玻璃市州联委会团拜结束后，马华玻璃市州联委会主席周美芬，如往年一样，特地带领一众马华同志赶往加基武吉老人院探访老人并派发红包向老人们拜年。
马青玻璃市州团长张华清和马青哥儿们也出动了多辆轿车到现场和主席一块儿派发红包，问候老人们。
马华玻璃市州《农历新年献爱心午餐会》
二月六日（星期六）上午九时半家庭妇女及社会发展部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬将到访玻璃市州知知丁宜。当天周美芬主持由家庭妇女及社会发展部在加基武吉中华公会礼堂举行的农历新年献爱心午餐会。农历新年献爱心午餐会招待了当地约五百名各族人民及弱势群体.这项活动的主题是关怀各族弱势群体，体现一个马来西亚的精神。除了午餐招待，周美芬也颁发新年红包及礼篮给各族贫老，单亲妈妈及不幸人士。让各族人民一同享受农历年即将来临的喜悦。
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
STATEMENT BY WANITA MCA EXCO on 9th Feb 2010
Wanita MCA EXCO convened our regular meeting and express our position on the following 2 issues:
Issue 1: Holistic Approach in enforcing payment under Maintenance Order
We laud the government’s efforts in recognising hardship faced by Muslim single mothers whose husband default in payment under maintenance order with the recently approved allocation of RM15million to aid Muslim going through divorce to support their children as announced by Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom on 11 January 2010 and subsequently by Syariah Judicial Department Family Support Division Deputy Director Dr Mohd Naim Mokhtar Dr Mohd Naim that the aid would be in the form of cash advances and for a duration of 6 months (The Star 21 Jan 2010).
Noting that we live in a country rich with ethnic, cultural and religious diversities and in line with the spirit of 1 Malaysia, we stress that it is of critical importance to recognise that women irrespective of ethnicity or religion face similar hardships in the course of marital breakdown and particularly when their husband fails to fulfil his obligations under the maintenance order.
We urge the government to give recognition to non-Muslims who experience similar hardships in the civil courts just like their Muslim sisters in the Syariah courts when their husband defies the maintenance order. It is important to note that, even where a non-muslim single mother spends time and money to enforce the maintenance order in accordance to existing civil court procedures, there is likelihood where her husband defaults in payment of the maintenance order. As a short term measure, we hope that similar measure would be extended to aid non-Muslim single mothers who endure the same predicament as their Muslim sisters.
Of late, we have received some feedback from the communities in response to the announcement of such an available aid to Muslim single mothers. Wanita MCA Political Strategy Bureau has met up with several women NGOs to discuss this issue. Drawing from the discussion, we have the same view as Women’s Aid Organisation, Sisters in Islam and Wilayah and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Women’s Wing and a practising family lawyer on the need to set up a taskforce to look into instituting a child and/or family support system to assist and support single parents especially children as a long term measure. We have since conveyed to the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato’ Seri Shahrizat Jalil this idea of setting up a technical working group to look into a holistic approach in enforcing payment under maintenance order and pleased to inform that the Minister is positive with our proposal.
Issue 2: Extend TEKUN loan to Chinese and other ethnic groups
We laud the extension of TEKUN loan to Indian communities with the initial allocation of RM3million in 2008. Increased allocation to RM 15 million in 2009 and RM 20 million for 2010 reflects government’s acknowledgement of the need to extend TEKUN loans to Indian communities.
In the spirit of 1 Malaysia, we urge the government to open up or set aside similar funds like the TEKUN loan to all Malaysians and especially to women. This would be in tandem with the government’s concerted efforts in raising living standards of low-income households under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) Roadmap and in line with the spirit of 1 Malaysia.
Issue 1: Holistic Approach in enforcing payment under Maintenance Order
We laud the government’s efforts in recognising hardship faced by Muslim single mothers whose husband default in payment under maintenance order with the recently approved allocation of RM15million to aid Muslim going through divorce to support their children as announced by Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom on 11 January 2010 and subsequently by Syariah Judicial Department Family Support Division Deputy Director Dr Mohd Naim Mokhtar Dr Mohd Naim that the aid would be in the form of cash advances and for a duration of 6 months (The Star 21 Jan 2010).
Noting that we live in a country rich with ethnic, cultural and religious diversities and in line with the spirit of 1 Malaysia, we stress that it is of critical importance to recognise that women irrespective of ethnicity or religion face similar hardships in the course of marital breakdown and particularly when their husband fails to fulfil his obligations under the maintenance order.
We urge the government to give recognition to non-Muslims who experience similar hardships in the civil courts just like their Muslim sisters in the Syariah courts when their husband defies the maintenance order. It is important to note that, even where a non-muslim single mother spends time and money to enforce the maintenance order in accordance to existing civil court procedures, there is likelihood where her husband defaults in payment of the maintenance order. As a short term measure, we hope that similar measure would be extended to aid non-Muslim single mothers who endure the same predicament as their Muslim sisters.
Of late, we have received some feedback from the communities in response to the announcement of such an available aid to Muslim single mothers. Wanita MCA Political Strategy Bureau has met up with several women NGOs to discuss this issue. Drawing from the discussion, we have the same view as Women’s Aid Organisation, Sisters in Islam and Wilayah and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Women’s Wing and a practising family lawyer on the need to set up a taskforce to look into instituting a child and/or family support system to assist and support single parents especially children as a long term measure. We have since conveyed to the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato’ Seri Shahrizat Jalil this idea of setting up a technical working group to look into a holistic approach in enforcing payment under maintenance order and pleased to inform that the Minister is positive with our proposal.
Issue 2: Extend TEKUN loan to Chinese and other ethnic groups
We laud the extension of TEKUN loan to Indian communities with the initial allocation of RM3million in 2008. Increased allocation to RM 15 million in 2009 and RM 20 million for 2010 reflects government’s acknowledgement of the need to extend TEKUN loans to Indian communities.
In the spirit of 1 Malaysia, we urge the government to open up or set aside similar funds like the TEKUN loan to all Malaysians and especially to women. This would be in tandem with the government’s concerted efforts in raising living standards of low-income households under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) Roadmap and in line with the spirit of 1 Malaysia.
马华妇女组促修党章 6副总会长列理事会成员
2010/02/09 5:49:23 PM ●南洋商报
（吉隆坡9日讯）马华妇女组今日吁请中央修改党章第46条文，把4位票选副总会长及2位当然副总会长列为会长理事会成员。
妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬说，2位当然副总会长，即妇女组主席及马青总团长。
她今日主持妇女组第五次执委会议后，在记者会上说，配合下个月举行的妇女组代表大会，妇女组吁请中央在参照了党章第75, 78和78A 条款及第101, 104 和104A条款后，在中央委员会的章节增加类似的条款，以全面统一各级组织在委任和终止的权力，确保一致。
“支会、区会至中央的任免权和必须经过的权力程序，必须统一，否则让人感觉支会和区会过于严谨，中央却不受约束。”
此外，妇女组也要求中央接纳及落实马华中央信托局财务管理机制，确保党营事业的人士任免经营管理较透明及专业。
较后，针对马华元老丹斯里陈祖排及拿督叶炳汉指廖派的3名中委既然不能和团队合作，就应该辞职，周美芬说，还党诚信行动委员会只有1位发言人，她本身只会在必要时才会回应媒体的提问。
注：为使表达的意思更为明确，彩色的句子是经过增修的句子。
（吉隆坡9日讯）马华妇女组今日吁请中央修改党章第46条文，把4位票选副总会长及2位当然副总会长列为会长理事会成员。
妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬说，2位当然副总会长，即妇女组主席及马青总团长。
她今日主持妇女组第五次执委会议后，在记者会上说，配合下个月举行的妇女组代表大会，妇女组吁请中央在参照了党章第75, 78和78A 条款及第101, 104 和104A条款后，在中央委员会的章节增加类似的条款，以全面统一各级组织在委任和终止的权力，确保一致。
“支会、区会至中央的任免权和必须经过的权力程序，必须统一，否则让人感觉支会和区会过于严谨，中央却不受约束。”
此外，妇女组也要求中央接纳及落实马华中央信托局财务管理机制，确保党营事业的人士任免经营管理较透明及专业。
较后，针对马华元老丹斯里陈祖排及拿督叶炳汉指廖派的3名中委既然不能和团队合作，就应该辞职，周美芬说，还党诚信行动委员会只有1位发言人，她本身只会在必要时才会回应媒体的提问。
注：为使表达的意思更为明确，彩色的句子是经过增修的句子。
馬華婦女組3月大會‧尋求通過修章3提案
星洲日報 · 2010.02.09 18:30 ·
（吉隆坡）馬華婦女組將在3月舉行的常年代表大會上，尋求通過3項吁請黨中央修改黨章的提案，包括婦女組主席及馬青總團長為馬華會長理事會當然成員。
婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，婦女組將把修改黨章第46條文，即除了現有黨章規定的現有理事會成員之外，必須包括4名票選副總會長及2名當然副總會長（馬青及婦女組）列為婦女組代表大會的提案。
她指出，婦女組也將吁請黨中央參考黨章第75、78、78A，101，104、104A條文，檢討並全面統一各級組織在委任及終止委任的權力。
她表示，各級組織即從支會、區會到中央在任免權及所經過的程序必須一致。“這樣做就不會讓人感覺支會和區會嚴謹，但中央卻是另一面。”
周美芬今日（週二，2月9日）主持婦女組第5次執委會會議後，在新聞發佈會上指出，另一項提案是吁請黨中央接納並落實馬華中央信託及財務管理機制，以確保黨營事業的人事任免和經營管理透明及專業。
13中委辭職問題
周美芬拒回應
另外，針對署理總會長拿督斯里蔡細歷及元老拿督葉炳漢吁請13名杯葛翁蔡活動的中委辭職問題，周美芬以廖派只有1名發言人為由，拒絕回應此事。她表示，她只在有需要時才會發表意見。
周美芬：政府應一視同仁協助非回教離婚婦女
另一方面，婦女組執委會促請政府一視同仁，協助面對贍養費問題的非回教離婚婦女。
針對首相署部長拿督加米基爾早前宣佈給予面對贍養費問題的回教婦女預支長達6個月的贍養費，周美芬表示，在一個馬來西亞精神下，政府應該不分種族及宗教地協助各族婦女，因為並不是只有回教婦女面對贍養費問題。
她指出，婦女組與回教姐妹組織、隆雪華堂婦女組及婦女援助組織等進行對話會後，也議決成立1個特別小組以全面探討兒童及家庭援助機制。
她指出，有關建議已獲得婦女、家庭及社會發展部長拿督斯里莎麗扎認同，並指示官員進行全面研究。
婦女組吁黨中央檢討黨章此外，婦女組也促請政府擴大創業集團商業基金（TEKUN）貸款，給各族人民，尤其是婦女。
注： 红色的部分是经过再一次确定后应参照的条款，和记者会上所引用的条款有点出入，特此更正。
周美芬吁政府一视同仁 应援助非回教失婚妇女
2010/02/09 5:49:23 PM ●南洋商报
http://www.nanyang.com/Newscenter/articledetail.asp?type=N&ID=124617&sID=7&cID=10
（吉隆坡9讯）马华妇女组今日吁请政府一视同仁，让没有获得赡养费的非回教失婚妇女也可以获得政府援助。
妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬说，大马是多元种族及文化的国家，尤其是走向倡导“一个马来西亚”概念下，非回教离婚妇女和回教妇女一样，会面对丈夫没有按月付还赡养费的问题。
她认为，政府应该不分种族，为全民提供福利金，包括为非土著妇女提供基金，解决丈夫没有付还赡养费问题。
首相署部长拿督贾米尔在上个月11日宣布，政府拨出1500万令吉成立一项基金，援助离婚后却无法获得赡养费的回教妇女，为期6个月。
男士也可获赡养费
周美芬说，妇女组日前与回教姐妹组织、妇女援助机构、隆雪妇女组及执业律师对话后，认为政府应成立委员会，采取有效的方案，长期解决失婚人士所面对的问题。
她说，其实男士也可以获得赡养费。
她建议，政府成立一个儿童与家庭支援系统，全面解决夫妻离异后家庭幸福的问题。
周美芬已向妇女、家庭及社会发展部长拿督莎丽扎反映有关问题，部长原则上同意探讨，并指示官员研究。
另外，周美芬吁请政府善用创业集团商业基金（TEKUN），协助各族穷人，尤其是主导家庭的贫穷妇女。
她说，政府在2008年拨出300万令吉作为援助印度社群的创业集团商业基金，2009年增加至1500万令吉，今年更进一步增加到2000万令吉。她认为，政府帮助印裔社群是一件好事，不过其他种族也有穷人。
她说，马华日前与华团领袖交流，并认为政府应该为收入低且要创业的贫穷人士，提供微型贷款。
http://www.nanyang.com/Newscenter/articledetail.asp?type=N&ID=124617&sID=7&cID=10
（吉隆坡9讯）马华妇女组今日吁请政府一视同仁，让没有获得赡养费的非回教失婚妇女也可以获得政府援助。
妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬说，大马是多元种族及文化的国家，尤其是走向倡导“一个马来西亚”概念下，非回教离婚妇女和回教妇女一样，会面对丈夫没有按月付还赡养费的问题。
她认为，政府应该不分种族，为全民提供福利金，包括为非土著妇女提供基金，解决丈夫没有付还赡养费问题。
首相署部长拿督贾米尔在上个月11日宣布，政府拨出1500万令吉成立一项基金，援助离婚后却无法获得赡养费的回教妇女，为期6个月。
男士也可获赡养费
周美芬说，妇女组日前与回教姐妹组织、妇女援助机构、隆雪妇女组及执业律师对话后，认为政府应成立委员会，采取有效的方案，长期解决失婚人士所面对的问题。
她说，其实男士也可以获得赡养费。
她建议，政府成立一个儿童与家庭支援系统，全面解决夫妻离异后家庭幸福的问题。
周美芬已向妇女、家庭及社会发展部长拿督莎丽扎反映有关问题，部长原则上同意探讨，并指示官员研究。
另外，周美芬吁请政府善用创业集团商业基金（TEKUN），协助各族穷人，尤其是主导家庭的贫穷妇女。
她说，政府在2008年拨出300万令吉作为援助印度社群的创业集团商业基金，2009年增加至1500万令吉，今年更进一步增加到2000万令吉。她认为，政府帮助印裔社群是一件好事，不过其他种族也有穷人。
她说，马华日前与华团领袖交流，并认为政府应该为收入低且要创业的贫穷人士，提供微型贷款。
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
周美芬：瞭解需求與困境‧馬華設單親家庭資料庫
(pic: CFL)
星洲日報‧2010.02.07
在周美芬（右2）、周麗玉（左）見證下，曾華雲（左）從陳志輝手上接領2萬令吉的贊助支票。（圖：星洲日報）
（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，婦女組將設立單親家庭資料庫，透過馬華舉辦的活動，把參與的單親家庭登記在案，以掌握他們的需求與瞭解所面對的問題。
在周美芬（右2）、周麗玉（左）見證下，曾華雲（左）從陳志輝手上接領2萬令吉的贊助支票。（圖：星洲日報）
（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，婦女組將設立單親家庭資料庫，透過馬華舉辦的活動，把參與的單親家庭登記在案，以掌握他們的需求與瞭解所面對的問題。
她強調，此項附設在馬華彩繪關懷坊內的單親家庭資料庫，將把相關家庭資料存入檔案庫中，一旦未來有適合的創業、培訓機會，就會知會相關家庭。
周美芬在出席由馬華雪州婦女組主辦的新春關懷計劃之家庭日推介禮時說：“只要掌握資料，就能鑒定出這些單親家庭真正的需求，可以針對個案來處理，知道要提供甚麼援助。”
通過培訓助脫離窮困
周美芬也是婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長。她指出，此項資料庫的設立主要是配合馬華婦女企業發展中心及政府福利政策。
“我們希望在給予單親家庭暫時性金錢援助時，也能通過培訓，協助他們脫離窮困，而這也符合政府在國家關鍵成效領域下想達致的結果。
周美芬：僅10%真正孤兒 民眾申請領養困難
中国报 3/2/2010
（加影3日訊）婦女、家庭和社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，政府屬下10間孤兒院内只有约10%的儿童為真正孤兒，可讓不育夫婦申請領養。
她說，早前發生嬰兒販賣事件，原因之一為國內擁有10至15%夫婦不育，他們欲申請領養孤兒卻面對種種困難。
“政府屬下的10間孤兒院，只有140名孩子為真正孤兒，其他約90%孩子是來自單親家庭、私生子等情況下進入孤兒院，他們擁有監護人或家長監護故不能領養。”
周美芬今日為雪隆愛心孤兒院主持開幕時，這么指出。 周美芬指出，由于只有少于10%孤兒可以被領養，同時需符合許多條件，以致許多民眾以為申請領養孤兒程序繁雜。
她說，公眾在領養孤兒時，不允許有如在選購“貨物”般挑選小孩，當局只會依據性別、種族及宗教，把孤兒分配到合適家庭。
“当福利部孤儿院接收到到可供领养的孤儿时，会在一個月的时间内进行调查准备报告，报告备妥后，當局將在最快速的时间内舉行會議，以決定把小孩分配给合適的家庭领养。在获得法庭的批准后，在领养的首2年里，福利部官員會定時前往檢查，之后才真正把小孩交由該夫婦領養。”
周美芬说，公眾也可向私人孤兒院申请領養孤兒，或親人不幸去世后申請照顧對方小孩，申請者同時最多只可照顧2名小孩，政府每月將給予每名小孩250令吉的领养补助。
（加影3日訊）婦女、家庭和社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，政府屬下10間孤兒院内只有约10%的儿童為真正孤兒，可讓不育夫婦申請領養。
她說，早前發生嬰兒販賣事件，原因之一為國內擁有10至15%夫婦不育，他們欲申請領養孤兒卻面對種種困難。
“政府屬下的10間孤兒院，只有140名孩子為真正孤兒，其他約90%孩子是來自單親家庭、私生子等情況下進入孤兒院，他們擁有監護人或家長監護故不能領養。”
周美芬今日為雪隆愛心孤兒院主持開幕時，這么指出。 周美芬指出，由于只有少于10%孤兒可以被領養，同時需符合許多條件，以致許多民眾以為申請領養孤兒程序繁雜。
她說，公眾在領養孤兒時，不允許有如在選購“貨物”般挑選小孩，當局只會依據性別、種族及宗教，把孤兒分配到合適家庭。
“当福利部孤儿院接收到到可供领养的孤儿时，会在一個月的时间内进行调查准备报告，报告备妥后，當局將在最快速的时间内舉行會議，以決定把小孩分配给合適的家庭领养。在获得法庭的批准后，在领养的首2年里，福利部官員會定時前往檢查，之后才真正把小孩交由該夫婦領養。”
周美芬说，公眾也可向私人孤兒院申请領養孤兒，或親人不幸去世后申請照顧對方小孩，申請者同時最多只可照顧2名小孩，政府每月將給予每名小孩250令吉的领养补助。
Friday, February 5, 2010
規劃“7大目標、5大計劃”馬華婦女組致力轉型
中国报 http://www.chinapress.com.my/content_new.asp?dt=2010-02-05&sec=mas&art=0205md20.txt
周美芬（左3）贈送馬華婦女組出版的《回應大時代》一書給張映坤，全體大合照；前排左起為蔡鳳玲、王賽芝、周美芬、張映坤、周淑媛、周麗玉；第2排左起何美群、蔡岳洲、黎美君、葉琰明和林明標；右2起為黃招媛和蔡篤明。
（吉隆坡4日訊）馬華婦女組在時代巨變中奮勇前進，規劃為期3年的“7大目標、5大計劃”，全面帶領婦女組轉型重塑形象，以期走出308大選后低潮。
她說，自308年大選后，黨面對很大打擊，士氣低落，1018黨選后延燒至今的紛紛擾擾，讓婦女組在致力轉型過程中，屢遭延宕與挫折。
她說，國陣能否在來屆大選重新執政，目前仍是個未知數，當務之急是婦女組重塑新形象、政策倡導、專業論政，以招攬更多年輕黨員等。
“萬一不小心失去政權，我們是否有一個平台，可以快速重新振作爬起來，也是一項考驗。”
周美芬也是婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長，她于今日帶領馬華婦女組領袖拜訪《中國報》時，這么披露。
在與《中國報》總編輯張映坤、助理總編輯何美群交流時，周美芬也特別介紹馬華婦女組出版，從2008年至今的《回應大時代》一書。
周美芬說，這本書記載2008年至2009年過去原定推行的一些計劃，還有正在進行中，至少為期3年計劃。
她指出，書中列出“7大目標、5大計劃”，有者是長遠計劃，希望獲得媒體配合報導。
在場接待者計有本報助理總編輯林明標、新聞編輯黃招媛和副新聞編輯蔡篤明。
列席馬華婦女組領袖包括：總秘書兼新聞、通訊及文化部副部長王賽芝、總財政周淑媛、中委兼婦女兒童援助局主任周麗玉、中委葉琰明、中委兼婦女組新聞主任蔡鳳玲、中委蔡岳洲、中委黎美君、中委鄧麗君、執行秘書陳蕙玲、執行員符心怡、婦女企業發展中心執行員李沛真、新聞局秘書黃愛玲和法律局成員丘婉文。
周美芬：尋求商家贊助設婦女研究基金
周美芬指出，國會議員一直無法良好表現，是因為欠缺專業研究員輔助，議員本身也因為太忙無暇進行研究工作。
她補充，該組目前雖有智囊團，但附屬在馬華政治策略局下，因此，該組有意尋求商家贊助成立一個婦女研究基金。
她指出，此舉能加強文宣工作，通過有效管道提供正確信息，面對誤解時，也能對外“講事實，擺道理”。
她也希望未來能花多點時間推動婦女企業發展中心，展開技職培訓，協助更多婦女創業。
她說，之前的婦女企業發展中心只限于軟技能，同時也欠缺融資；婦女組未來使命將是聯繫政府單位及金融機構，扮演婦女企業融資橋樑，以延續前兩任婦女組全國主席的使命，該中心未來計劃包括：設立婦女企業發展中心網站，讓女企業家通過互聯網互通訊息、獲取相關資訊、了解國際商界蓬勃發展的最新資訊，也讓企業家有機會參與企業活動發揮所長，及聯繫各政府單位及金融機構，扮演婦女企業融資橋樑。
308後士氣大跌傑出女黨員鮮為人知
針對馬華婦女組力求形象年輕化，近年也栽培一些傑出女青年，卻鮮為人知時，周美芬直指其中一個原因，是308后黨內士氣大跌所致。
她說，其次，年輕黨員面臨事業和婚姻問題，最近有多名女青年成員婚后以家庭為重，無法全力專注于黨務。
她認為，這是女性工作者面對最大挑戰，有些領袖從政理由是“萬中選一”，有者是“無心插柳、柳成蔭”。
至于她本身，則是“陰陽差錯”，在舅母介紹下，擔任馬華婦女組前主席拿督鄧育桓机要秘書，再出任馬華婦女組女青年工作坊主任，剛好對這方面有興趣，就從政至今。
她說，婦女組目前有6名受委中委名額，另保留兩個職位給女青年，但她不隨意委任填補空缺。
詢及有否機會給女青年發揮所長，周氏說，這應交由女青年回答，在場一名中委鄧麗君即回應說，現有中委會和領導層開放，機會蠻多，只是在于時間安排問題。
周美芬說：“像麗君本身是一間公司總執行長，能否直接參與，最重要是看個人意願。”
周美芬補充，女青年佔黨員人數26%，36至45歲有21.17%、35歲以下有18.18%，及45歲以下39.5%。
設31婦女兒童輔導中心
周美芬說，儘管馬華婦女組致力轉型，倡導專業論政，但未有放棄核心任務，目前已在全國成立31間婦女兒童輔導中心。
她指出，她在2006年出任雪州婦女組主席時，已成立16間輔導中心，后升任全國主席后增至18間，再擴展至每州設立輔導中心。
“每州派5至10名成員受訓，成立精英隊，為民眾提供輔導服務。”
7大目標
1）擴大關懷面，展現全方位領導才華，當全民領袖
2）政策倡導，專業問政
3）縱橫融匯，經緯貫連
4）提供友善參政環境，招攬青年，培育青年
5）強化、專業化婦女核心任務
6）走入群眾，融入社區
7）貫徹健康政治文化
5大計劃
1）政策倡導，專業論政
2）成立婦女企業發展中心
3）招攬青年、培育女青年
4）精英登場-發掘黨內精英、設立人才智庫
5）全國設立31間婦女兒童輔導室
周美芬（左3）贈送馬華婦女組出版的《回應大時代》一書給張映坤，全體大合照；前排左起為蔡鳳玲、王賽芝、周美芬、張映坤、周淑媛、周麗玉；第2排左起何美群、蔡岳洲、黎美君、葉琰明和林明標；右2起為黃招媛和蔡篤明。
（吉隆坡4日訊）馬華婦女組在時代巨變中奮勇前進，規劃為期3年的“7大目標、5大計劃”，全面帶領婦女組轉型重塑形象，以期走出308大選后低潮。
她說，自308年大選后，黨面對很大打擊，士氣低落，1018黨選后延燒至今的紛紛擾擾，讓婦女組在致力轉型過程中，屢遭延宕與挫折。
她說，國陣能否在來屆大選重新執政，目前仍是個未知數，當務之急是婦女組重塑新形象、政策倡導、專業論政，以招攬更多年輕黨員等。
“萬一不小心失去政權，我們是否有一個平台，可以快速重新振作爬起來，也是一項考驗。”
周美芬也是婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長，她于今日帶領馬華婦女組領袖拜訪《中國報》時，這么披露。
在與《中國報》總編輯張映坤、助理總編輯何美群交流時，周美芬也特別介紹馬華婦女組出版，從2008年至今的《回應大時代》一書。
周美芬說，這本書記載2008年至2009年過去原定推行的一些計劃，還有正在進行中，至少為期3年計劃。
她指出，書中列出“7大目標、5大計劃”，有者是長遠計劃，希望獲得媒體配合報導。
在場接待者計有本報助理總編輯林明標、新聞編輯黃招媛和副新聞編輯蔡篤明。
列席馬華婦女組領袖包括：總秘書兼新聞、通訊及文化部副部長王賽芝、總財政周淑媛、中委兼婦女兒童援助局主任周麗玉、中委葉琰明、中委兼婦女組新聞主任蔡鳳玲、中委蔡岳洲、中委黎美君、中委鄧麗君、執行秘書陳蕙玲、執行員符心怡、婦女企業發展中心執行員李沛真、新聞局秘書黃愛玲和法律局成員丘婉文。
周美芬：尋求商家贊助設婦女研究基金
周美芬指出，國會議員一直無法良好表現，是因為欠缺專業研究員輔助，議員本身也因為太忙無暇進行研究工作。
她補充，該組目前雖有智囊團，但附屬在馬華政治策略局下，因此，該組有意尋求商家贊助成立一個婦女研究基金。
她指出，此舉能加強文宣工作，通過有效管道提供正確信息，面對誤解時，也能對外“講事實，擺道理”。
她也希望未來能花多點時間推動婦女企業發展中心，展開技職培訓，協助更多婦女創業。
她說，之前的婦女企業發展中心只限于軟技能，同時也欠缺融資；婦女組未來使命將是聯繫政府單位及金融機構，扮演婦女企業融資橋樑，以延續前兩任婦女組全國主席的使命，該中心未來計劃包括：設立婦女企業發展中心網站，讓女企業家通過互聯網互通訊息、獲取相關資訊、了解國際商界蓬勃發展的最新資訊，也讓企業家有機會參與企業活動發揮所長，及聯繫各政府單位及金融機構，扮演婦女企業融資橋樑。
308後士氣大跌傑出女黨員鮮為人知
針對馬華婦女組力求形象年輕化，近年也栽培一些傑出女青年，卻鮮為人知時，周美芬直指其中一個原因，是308后黨內士氣大跌所致。
她說，其次，年輕黨員面臨事業和婚姻問題，最近有多名女青年成員婚后以家庭為重，無法全力專注于黨務。
她認為，這是女性工作者面對最大挑戰，有些領袖從政理由是“萬中選一”，有者是“無心插柳、柳成蔭”。
至于她本身，則是“陰陽差錯”，在舅母介紹下，擔任馬華婦女組前主席拿督鄧育桓机要秘書，再出任馬華婦女組女青年工作坊主任，剛好對這方面有興趣，就從政至今。
她說，婦女組目前有6名受委中委名額，另保留兩個職位給女青年，但她不隨意委任填補空缺。
詢及有否機會給女青年發揮所長，周氏說，這應交由女青年回答，在場一名中委鄧麗君即回應說，現有中委會和領導層開放，機會蠻多，只是在于時間安排問題。
周美芬說：“像麗君本身是一間公司總執行長，能否直接參與，最重要是看個人意願。”
周美芬補充，女青年佔黨員人數26%，36至45歲有21.17%、35歲以下有18.18%，及45歲以下39.5%。
設31婦女兒童輔導中心
周美芬說，儘管馬華婦女組致力轉型，倡導專業論政，但未有放棄核心任務，目前已在全國成立31間婦女兒童輔導中心。
她指出，她在2006年出任雪州婦女組主席時，已成立16間輔導中心，后升任全國主席后增至18間，再擴展至每州設立輔導中心。
“每州派5至10名成員受訓，成立精英隊，為民眾提供輔導服務。”
7大目標
1）擴大關懷面，展現全方位領導才華，當全民領袖
2）政策倡導，專業問政
3）縱橫融匯，經緯貫連
4）提供友善參政環境，招攬青年，培育青年
5）強化、專業化婦女核心任務
6）走入群眾，融入社區
7）貫徹健康政治文化
5大計劃
1）政策倡導，專業論政
2）成立婦女企業發展中心
3）招攬青年、培育女青年
4）精英登場-發掘黨內精英、設立人才智庫
5）全國設立31間婦女兒童輔導室
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Wanita MCA calls on stern action against Nasir
Mere Apology and Resignation Not a Solution
Press Release from Wanita MCA
Kuala Lumpur 3 February- Wanita MCA National Chairman Chew Mei Fun today on behalf of Wanita MCA sisters strongly condemn the statement made by the special officer to Prime Minister, Datuk Nasir Safar that Malaysian Chinese and Indians are foreigners (“pendatang”) and that Chinese, especially women came to Malaysia to enslave ourselves and for prostitution. Such expression not only has a racist undertone but also sexist in nature.
Chew Mei Fun expressed that Wanita MCA is truly grateful of the Prime Minister’s prompt response that Nasir Safar resigns. However, Nasir Safar’s speech has already hurt the feelings of other ethnic communities.
This remark reflects non-recognition of the contributions by the Chinese and Indian alongside other ethnic communities in nation-building through thick and thin over the years. Such remark has caused unprecedented humiliation to our Chinese sisters. As such, this is an issue beyond reprieve and cannot be resolved by a mere resignation.
She added that it is unbecoming that an aide who has no formal authority has the audacity to request that citizenship of Indians who opposed the policy of maximum 10 subjects for SPM be revoked. Not only is it arrogant, it has severely undermined our Prime Minister’s concerted efforts to promote and realise the “1 Malaysia” concept. Indeed, it is a serious blow to the Prime Minister’s credibility.
Therefore, an apology and resignation will not do justice. We call upon the government to take appropriate legal measures against him, which even includes invoking provisions of incitement laws to prosecute him. This would safeguard the Prime Minister and government’s credibility in fulfilling its pledge to realise the spirit of “1 Malaysia” with resolute determination.
Wanita MCA thinks that it is unconceivable for such a statement to be publicly made by Nasir Safar at a seminar “Rapat 1 Malaysia” organized by the Special Affairs Department which aims at promoting national unity. Not only has he directly contradicted the government’s concerted efforts in promoting the spirit of “1 Malaysia”, possibly he may have also incited hatred and racial sentiments.
Drawing from the recent exposé of racial slurs by some lecturers in conducting Biro Tatanegara courses, we feel that the government should be careful and mindful in the selection of speakers for any events to avoid “ruining” what we have been building thus far. Not only will the people receive wrong messages, they may also develop an indelible negative imprint of the government.
Press Release from Wanita MCA
Kuala Lumpur 3 February- Wanita MCA National Chairman Chew Mei Fun today on behalf of Wanita MCA sisters strongly condemn the statement made by the special officer to Prime Minister, Datuk Nasir Safar that Malaysian Chinese and Indians are foreigners (“pendatang”) and that Chinese, especially women came to Malaysia to enslave ourselves and for prostitution. Such expression not only has a racist undertone but also sexist in nature.
Chew Mei Fun expressed that Wanita MCA is truly grateful of the Prime Minister’s prompt response that Nasir Safar resigns. However, Nasir Safar’s speech has already hurt the feelings of other ethnic communities.
This remark reflects non-recognition of the contributions by the Chinese and Indian alongside other ethnic communities in nation-building through thick and thin over the years. Such remark has caused unprecedented humiliation to our Chinese sisters. As such, this is an issue beyond reprieve and cannot be resolved by a mere resignation.
She added that it is unbecoming that an aide who has no formal authority has the audacity to request that citizenship of Indians who opposed the policy of maximum 10 subjects for SPM be revoked. Not only is it arrogant, it has severely undermined our Prime Minister’s concerted efforts to promote and realise the “1 Malaysia” concept. Indeed, it is a serious blow to the Prime Minister’s credibility.
Therefore, an apology and resignation will not do justice. We call upon the government to take appropriate legal measures against him, which even includes invoking provisions of incitement laws to prosecute him. This would safeguard the Prime Minister and government’s credibility in fulfilling its pledge to realise the spirit of “1 Malaysia” with resolute determination.
Wanita MCA thinks that it is unconceivable for such a statement to be publicly made by Nasir Safar at a seminar “Rapat 1 Malaysia” organized by the Special Affairs Department which aims at promoting national unity. Not only has he directly contradicted the government’s concerted efforts in promoting the spirit of “1 Malaysia”, possibly he may have also incited hatred and racial sentiments.
Drawing from the recent exposé of racial slurs by some lecturers in conducting Biro Tatanegara courses, we feel that the government should be careful and mindful in the selection of speakers for any events to avoid “ruining” what we have been building thus far. Not only will the people receive wrong messages, they may also develop an indelible negative imprint of the government.
非道歉辞职可解决 - 马华妇女组呼吁更严厉对付纳西尔
马华妇女组文告（吉隆坡3日讯）马华妇女组全国主席周美芬今日代表马华全国妇女组姐妹严厉谴责首相纳吉的特别助理纳西尔沙发发表我国华印裔是“外来者”（pendatang），华人尤其是华裔妇女到来马来西亚是为了卖身的种族及性别歧视性言论。
周美芬说，马华妇女组对于首相采取立即行动促使纳西尔沙发辞职的举动表示欣慰，然而由于他的言论已严重伤害了其他种族的感受，不但否决了华印裔这么多年来和本国其他种族人民风雨同路共同建国的贡献，也深深的让华裔妇女姐妹遭受到前所未有的屈辱，这不是辞职就可以宽恕的问题。
她说，一位完全没有实权的助理竟然胆敢发表要撤销抨击大马教育文凭（SPM）限考10科政策和讨论淡米尔文的人的公民权言论，不但傲慢跋扈得无以复加，同时也对首相倾注全力以宣扬和落实的“一个大马”理念造成了极度的伤害，是对首相威信的一种严重打击，因此绝对不能以辞职道歉了事，我们呼吁政府采取适当的法律条文检控他，甚至包括以煽动法令对付他！以捍卫首相纳吉政府的威信和宣示政府落实“一个大马”的坚定决心！
马华妇女组认为纳西尔沙发竟然在由大马特别事务局所主办的“一个大马”研讨会上口出如此狂言是不可思议的，因为他不但彻底违背了政府推广“一个大马”理念的原意，还可能激发种族仇恨情绪，与之前揭发的国家干训局部分讲师在课程中发表种族性言论事情对照探讨，我们认为政府在举办任何涉及政府理念与政策的讲座会和研讨会时，对于讲师的筛选必须极度小心，以避免类似“倒米”的事件一再发生，不但让人民接收到错误的讯息，也让人民对政府留下了不可磨灭的坏印象！
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Kiwanis Malaysia’s Annual Children Party 2010
SPEECH by YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
(pic: CFL)
First and foremost, allow me to take this opportunity to thank Kiwanis Malaysia for inviting me to officiate the Kiwanis Malaysia’s Annual Children Party 2010. This year is the 12th consecutive year for Kiwanis Malaysia to have this event, and I am delighted to learn that the organiser has bring together more than 550 children as well as care takers from various orphanages, welfare homes, learning disabilities centres etc from Klang Valley, Johore, Perak and Penang to join us today. The smiling faces of children have already made this special occasion an unforgettable one for me. In this respect, your good work and efforts is highly commendable.
Ladies and gentlemen,Disabled children always face grave risks to their education, health and well-being and are at significantly increased risk because of social stigma and ignorance. It undeniably has impeded them to enjoy the normal way of life like other children and access to the same opportunity as others and are being segregated from the mainstream society. Statistics from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) shows that about 98% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school. To ensure and safeguard the rights of children and people with disability, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability has come into force in May 2008. The Convention has call for enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by children and adults with disabilities, and points for the importance of early intervention as well as inclusion in the education system from an early age.
Numerous studies showed that early childhood care and education are imperative to help children with special needs to be integrated into the society. This is because the early years offer a special opportunity to foster developmental gains in children as 80% of the brain’s capacity develops before the age of three. For example, children with Down syndrome are able to lead normal life like other people if they are given training. As such, early intervention programme including care, stimulation, parental support and access to relevant services enhances the effects of interventions for children with disabilities.
Recognizing the importance of care and support for children with special needs, the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has established Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Centre to provide services such as diagnosis, rehabilitation, treatment and special education as well as vocational training to prepare the people with disabilities for employment. As of 2009, there are 409 CBR centres throughout the country and benefiting 17,435 PWDs. Besides this, there are 140 health centres in Malaysia that provide rehabilitation services for children with special needs. In Budget 2010, the Government has increased the allowance rate from RM50 to RM150 a month for every disabled child enroled in NGO-organised special schools, effective 1 January 2010. And it is estimated that 4,000 disabled children will be benefitted under this aid.
Ladies and gentlemen,In 2009, the Government has approved the National Child Policy and its Plan of Action as well as National Child Protection Policy and its Plan of Action 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.
Besides this, child activity centres were established by the Department at the state and district levels as part of the efforts to provide locally-based services, especially for high-risk families and children. As of 2009, there were 139 child activities centres throughout the country. The services included child-related activities, counselling for children and parents, parenting courses as well as childcare services aimed at providing the psychological and motivational support to those affected. The activities, in some ways, contributed to the prevention of many social ills such as child abuse, child neglect, school dropout, truancy and moral decadence. In addition, it has fostered community relations and the caring spirit by serving as a place where the local community interact, exchange ideas and work together towards a common goal that is, the well-being of the child and family.
We all can play a role to help them like the motto of the Kiwanis “Serving the Children of the World”. It is our role to create a world that fit for all the children. Many organizations, like Kiwanis Malaysia are making conscious efforts to help the less fortune and children who have special needs. It is delighted to learn that the Kiwanis Club currently manage and operate 19 dedicated centres for children throughout Malaysia and 7 of these centres are Down syndrome centres. With regard to this, the Department of Social Welfare has allocated RM30,660 to Kiwanis Club at Taman Tun Ismail. Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the organising committee and those involved in today’s event. On that note, I have the pleasure to declare the Kiwanis Children’s Party open. Thank you and may you have a wonderful weekend.
(pic: CFL)
First and foremost, allow me to take this opportunity to thank Kiwanis Malaysia for inviting me to officiate the Kiwanis Malaysia’s Annual Children Party 2010. This year is the 12th consecutive year for Kiwanis Malaysia to have this event, and I am delighted to learn that the organiser has bring together more than 550 children as well as care takers from various orphanages, welfare homes, learning disabilities centres etc from Klang Valley, Johore, Perak and Penang to join us today. The smiling faces of children have already made this special occasion an unforgettable one for me. In this respect, your good work and efforts is highly commendable.
Ladies and gentlemen,Disabled children always face grave risks to their education, health and well-being and are at significantly increased risk because of social stigma and ignorance. It undeniably has impeded them to enjoy the normal way of life like other children and access to the same opportunity as others and are being segregated from the mainstream society. Statistics from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) shows that about 98% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school. To ensure and safeguard the rights of children and people with disability, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability has come into force in May 2008. The Convention has call for enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by children and adults with disabilities, and points for the importance of early intervention as well as inclusion in the education system from an early age.
Numerous studies showed that early childhood care and education are imperative to help children with special needs to be integrated into the society. This is because the early years offer a special opportunity to foster developmental gains in children as 80% of the brain’s capacity develops before the age of three. For example, children with Down syndrome are able to lead normal life like other people if they are given training. As such, early intervention programme including care, stimulation, parental support and access to relevant services enhances the effects of interventions for children with disabilities.
Recognizing the importance of care and support for children with special needs, the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has established Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Centre to provide services such as diagnosis, rehabilitation, treatment and special education as well as vocational training to prepare the people with disabilities for employment. As of 2009, there are 409 CBR centres throughout the country and benefiting 17,435 PWDs. Besides this, there are 140 health centres in Malaysia that provide rehabilitation services for children with special needs. In Budget 2010, the Government has increased the allowance rate from RM50 to RM150 a month for every disabled child enroled in NGO-organised special schools, effective 1 January 2010. And it is estimated that 4,000 disabled children will be benefitted under this aid.
Ladies and gentlemen,In 2009, the Government has approved the National Child Policy and its Plan of Action as well as National Child Protection Policy and its Plan of Action 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.
Besides this, child activity centres were established by the Department at the state and district levels as part of the efforts to provide locally-based services, especially for high-risk families and children. As of 2009, there were 139 child activities centres throughout the country. The services included child-related activities, counselling for children and parents, parenting courses as well as childcare services aimed at providing the psychological and motivational support to those affected. The activities, in some ways, contributed to the prevention of many social ills such as child abuse, child neglect, school dropout, truancy and moral decadence. In addition, it has fostered community relations and the caring spirit by serving as a place where the local community interact, exchange ideas and work together towards a common goal that is, the well-being of the child and family.
We all can play a role to help them like the motto of the Kiwanis “Serving the Children of the World”. It is our role to create a world that fit for all the children. Many organizations, like Kiwanis Malaysia are making conscious efforts to help the less fortune and children who have special needs. It is delighted to learn that the Kiwanis Club currently manage and operate 19 dedicated centres for children throughout Malaysia and 7 of these centres are Down syndrome centres. With regard to this, the Department of Social Welfare has allocated RM30,660 to Kiwanis Club at Taman Tun Ismail. Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the organising committee and those involved in today’s event. On that note, I have the pleasure to declare the Kiwanis Children’s Party open. Thank you and may you have a wonderful weekend.
周美芬：濫用殘障人設施‧關愛殘障人意識低
星洲日報 · 2010.01.30
周美芬（后排左2）在推介禮結束后與一群石頭舞團的舞者合照。后排右2起為美門基金會會務總理李瑞發、劉榮發、徐恩杰及謝秀貞。（圖：星洲日報）
（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，國人缺乏對幫助殘障人士的醒覺及關懷。
她說，國人經常為了方便而濫用為殘障人士而建設的跑道或斜坡，有者甚至把車輛停泊在跑道上。
“這種行為不但沒有公德心，而且也為殘障人士的生活帶來負面影響，因此大馬仍需要不斷教育群眾，提高醒覺。”
她今日（週六，1月30日）為美門殘障關懷基金會與石頭舞團協辦的春暖慈善舞台劇主持推介禮時說，為協助甲洞美門殘障康復中心重建計劃，該部將撥款5000令吉。
她希望能拋磚引玉，鼓勵更多社會人士或組織為殘障人士盡綿力。
春暖石頭舞團製作人劉榮發透露，春暖舞台劇也將所獲得的贊助費用及其中1天的演出所得，捐助美門殘障關懷基金會。
美門殘障康復中心需籌80萬重建
甲洞美門殘障康復中心副主席徐恩傑指出，此中心因歷久失修，顯得破舊及經常都有漏水的情況，因此需籌募80萬令吉以重建2層樓的康復中心。
美門基金會總幹事謝秀貞披露，目前共有15人住在其康復中心，而中心主要收留後天導致殘障的人士，提供輔導及協助的服務。
有意捐助者，可聯絡美門殘障關懷基金會03-78758609/78736579，或瀏覽有關網站http://www.beautifulgate.org.my/。
周美芬（后排左2）在推介禮結束后與一群石頭舞團的舞者合照。后排右2起為美門基金會會務總理李瑞發、劉榮發、徐恩杰及謝秀貞。（圖：星洲日報）
（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，國人缺乏對幫助殘障人士的醒覺及關懷。
她說，國人經常為了方便而濫用為殘障人士而建設的跑道或斜坡，有者甚至把車輛停泊在跑道上。
“這種行為不但沒有公德心，而且也為殘障人士的生活帶來負面影響，因此大馬仍需要不斷教育群眾，提高醒覺。”
她今日（週六，1月30日）為美門殘障關懷基金會與石頭舞團協辦的春暖慈善舞台劇主持推介禮時說，為協助甲洞美門殘障康復中心重建計劃，該部將撥款5000令吉。
她希望能拋磚引玉，鼓勵更多社會人士或組織為殘障人士盡綿力。
春暖石頭舞團製作人劉榮發透露，春暖舞台劇也將所獲得的贊助費用及其中1天的演出所得，捐助美門殘障關懷基金會。
美門殘障康復中心需籌80萬重建
甲洞美門殘障康復中心副主席徐恩傑指出，此中心因歷久失修，顯得破舊及經常都有漏水的情況，因此需籌募80萬令吉以重建2層樓的康復中心。
美門基金會總幹事謝秀貞披露，目前共有15人住在其康復中心，而中心主要收留後天導致殘障的人士，提供輔導及協助的服務。
有意捐助者，可聯絡美門殘障關懷基金會03-78758609/78736579，或瀏覽有關網站http://www.beautifulgate.org.my/。
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