FAMILY FIRST CARNIVAL: ONE HEART, ONE SPIRIT FOR THE FAMILY

SPEECH
YB DATIN PADUKA CHEW MEI FUN
DEPUTY MINISTER FOR WOMEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
28TH MARCH 2010 (SUNDAY)
TROPICANA MALL

Ladies and gentlemen, A very good afternoon to all of you.
It gives me great pleasure to be here today for the Karnival Utamakan Keluarga or Family First Carnival. Today’s event is organized by Persatuan Kemajuan Wanita Selangor together with local community associations. Themed with “One Heart, One Spirit for the Family”, this event aims to increase awareness among the people to be more alert about family issues as families are important in achieving a healthy and quality life. This event is also in line with the efforts taken by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) that promoting the concept of family first since year 2002.

We all know that family is the fundamental unit of the society and has essential role in the development of a nation. Family has always been the source of support and sense of security for the individual. When families break down and fail to provide support for their members, the effects will reverberate across society. In other words, the deterioration of the family institution will have negative implications on the development of the country and cause all kinds of social problems such as domestic violence, neglect, child abuse and abandonment. Statistic from Royal Police Malaysia showed that 407 cases of child abandonment had been reported from year 2005 to 2009. Meanwhile, statistics from the National Registration Department showed that 25,922 cases were reported in year 2008 if compared with 25,386 cases in year 2007.

As a result of modernization and urbanization of the population, families today are facing numerous challenges that have profound impacts on every member of the society. In this regard, an integrated approach is needed to empower and equip families with new knowledge and skills in the modern day. Nevertheless, it acquires commitment and support from all stakeholders to strengthen and enhance the family institution in the society.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This event is the first one-stop family carnival which aims to provide all kinds of services needed by the family. These services include cholesterol test, stress test, pap-smear test, cervical cancer vaccination, prostate screening, blood pressure test, financial counseling and debt management advice by Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit as well as EPF nomination. All the services provided today are important to everyone of us here, for example, in Malaysia, about 4 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each day and the vaccination of cervical cancer will be able to protect women from this disease; for men, prostate cancer is the sixth most frequent form of cancer and makes up 5.6% of cancer cases in males. Apart from Selangor as first stop of this family carnival, Persatuan Kemajuan Wanita Selangor will also organize this event in 11 states starting April this year.

As such, I sincerely hope our participants today will utilize the services provided today and would enjoy this exciting and fun-filled carnival. Before I end, I would like to commend the committees for their enthusiasm and hard work in organizing this Family First Carnival. Also, I would like to thank the companies and organisations involved: Tropicana City Mall, GlaxoSmith Kline, Genzyme Malaysia Bhd., Focus Point, Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP), Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), MSD, Obstertrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia, Yayasan CRSM, San Seng Lum Loving Charity, Hearing Partner, Persatuan Buddhist Cempaka, Dewan Perhimpunan Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor, Persatuan Pemilik dan Penduduk Kondominium Jasmine Towers dan Persatuan Penduduk Aman Suria on your contribution and support to make this event a success and meaningful to the participants.

Thank you.

周美芬探訪林國義捎2好消息‧援助金增志工團捐5000

星洲日報／大北馬‧2010.03.26

周美芬為林國義加油打氣，希望他能夠早日痊愈。（圖：星洲日報）


周美芬在福利官的陪同下，向黃美麗瞭解林國義的病情。（圖：星洲日報）

（檳城）婦女、家庭和社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬率馬華一行人及福利部官員，週五（3月26日）前往雙溪賴廉價組屋探望手術後正在休養的林國義及失明的黃美麗。

馬華志工團獻5000捐款

周美芬在探望林國義夫婦的同時，也為他們帶來兩個好消息，即從3月份開始，增加林國義每月的福利部援助金至600令吉，而馬華志工團也答應為林家獻上5000令吉捐款，協助他們渡過難關。

她說，馬華志工團的5000令吉捐款將由馬華婦女組成員，包括黃秀金、宋彩伶等人移交到林家。
黃美麗說，由於丈夫目前只能夠躺臥在床上，根本無法移動，因此需要兩個人才能夠料理他的生活起居，包括替他翻身清理身體等。這是她要聘請女傭的主要原因。

妻或再請無薪假照顧丈夫

“雖然我的無薪假期是到4月14日，但是如果丈夫的情況沒有好轉，我可能還需要繼續向上司申請無薪假期以照顧丈夫，對於我未來的生活，很多東西還是未知數。”

一同前往探訪林家的包括柔佛振林山區國會議員曾亞英、檳州婦女組副主席吳瑞音、秘書宋彩伶、婦女組州委關彩珍等人。

溫馨家庭保健嘉年華‧28日邀你檢驗健康

星洲日報／大都會‧2010.03.19


周美芬（前排右3）、國家人口及家庭發展局總監拿督阿米娜（左2）、馬華婦女組總財政周淑媛（右2）和嘉年華的贊助商代表，吁請公眾踴躍參與當天的活動，後排左2為周美芬機要秘書蔡鳳玲。 （圖：星洲日報）

（吉隆坡）由雪蘭莪婦女前進協會與國家人口及家庭發展局聯辦社區關懷活動“溫馨家庭保健嘉年華”將於下週日（3月28日），在八打靈再也Tropicana City廣場舉行，公眾受促當天攜老帶幼到現場參與和進行免費健康檢驗。

婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬週五（3月19日）在一項新聞發佈會上指出，這項活動獲得該部的贊助，嘉年華活動中所提供的各項健康檢驗，大部份都免費，一些比較深入的檢驗則以補貼價，提供公眾檢驗配套。

帶動家庭保健醒覺

她說，婦女社會部屬下的國家人口及家庭發展局舉辦是項活動，旨在建立正面的家庭價值觀，帶動家庭保健與健康醒覺以及鼓勵家庭財務規劃，同時也提昇睦鄰精神。

她指出，活動內容主要分為三大主題，即健康保健、家庭財務和親子關係，主辦單位還會在活動當天設立各種保健、財務和輔導的柜台及流動診所，方便公眾進行檢驗、輔導和諮詢服務。

將在全國各州舉行

“這項活動率先在雪州進行，之後還有11項類似的活動將從4月開始在全國各州舉行，靈市這場到時將由婦女社會部長拿督斯里莎麗扎主持開幕。”

她說，一些有人數限額的免費保健檢查是膽固醇（首250人）和牙齒檢查（首100人），其他沒有限制人數的有血糖、血壓、乳房、聽覺及視覺、蛔蟲、關節疼痛、皮膚和壓力檢驗，甚至還有中醫諮詢。

“婦女給予的特別補貼價檢驗配套則有子宮抹片檢驗（每人20令吉）、子宮頸癌疫苗注射（視醫生診斷而定）、男性前列腺檢驗（每人25令吉，只限50歲以上男性）。”

在諮詢服務方面，當局也設立了公積金受益人填寫服務柜台、新選民登記柜台、財務規劃管理諮詢，個人及家庭輔導諮詢等等，活動詳情可聯絡：03-77262266查詢。

对翁捍卫总会长没看法 周美芬：谁都可重选

(pic: CFL)




http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2010/03/14/92.html
光华日报：二零一零年三月十四日 下午四时五十九分

（吉隆坡14日讯）马华妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，任何符合资格的党领袖都可以参与重选，因此她对总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰寻求蝉联并没有特别的看法。

她说，当初他们促成重选，并没有要求代表要选谁，主要是想通过民主程序选出代表委托的领导层。


周美芬出席“让爱看见希望”激励营活动，吁请社会人士和呼吁企业界学习如何帮助残障人士就业。

周美芬出席“让爱看见希望”激励营活动后，在记者会上这么说。在场者包括隆雪华堂署理会长翁清玉、大会主席朱绍瑛、大马华人残障协会会长兼巴生市议员陈兴金。

对于黄家定“重出江湖”，周美芬表示，任何爱党的人以党的生死存亡作为本身最重要的考量，并愿意为党的前途贡献和牺牲，她认为应该给予尊重。

“如果任何人将党的利益放在个人的利益之上，并不介意这些决定会对本身有后遗症或牺牲，而如果每一名党员都有这种精神，对党而言是好的现象。”

不过，她强调，她并不确定黄家定是否出来竞选，惟她认为，根据黄氏过去担任总会长时的表现，当时的马华团队很强，也没有任何分裂的问题。

她指出：“我早前曾说‘乐观其成’，而重点在于什么人才能够带领党继续前进，这个就留待328重选时，交由代表决定。”

“每个人的心中都有一把尺，希望重选时，代表们除了以个人喜好来选出领袖外，也必须要以党为重点。”

当媒体再三询问她是否支持黄家定复出时，“我支持任何有权竞选的领袖……当投票时会作出决定，不用现在说出来。”

无论如何，她希望，重选能够解决马华目前所面对的问题。“如果所有人尊重此次特大的决定，相信没有问题，为什么之前会产生问题，因为有人不尊重代表大会和特大的决定。”

询及“廖派”是否已有决定攻打什么职位，她笑说，她不是（原任副总会长拿督斯里）廖中莱，所以没有办法回答这个问题。

拒评翁廖派领袖无法团结马华

针对马华前任署理总会长丹斯里林亚礼指，翁廖派领袖无法团结马华时，周美芬不想对一些人或情况造成困扰，并担心其言论被歪曲，因此不愿作出回应。

询及蔡细历中选……媒体还没问完问题，周美芬即重申，她重申，她不希望本身的言论会对一些人或情况造成困扰，甚至被一些人歪曲和曲解，以打击某一方面，这是她不愿意看到。

“虽然我不是什么重要的人物，但他说的话多少也有牵动涟漪，我希望大家是在没有困扰的情况下参选，不要因为我的话，而让其他人有机会曲解和打击任何一方。”

她笑称：“你们（媒体）的电视、录音机全部都有记录，我都逃不过我曾经讲过的事实，不过很多事情还没有发生就不要再讲……听起言、观其行。”

周美芬曾于去年11月16日在国会走廊扬言，一旦由蔡细历出任总会长，她将立刻辞职；不过她最近出席活动被问这个问题时，她要求媒体等此事发生后才来问她。

另一方面，原任中委黄木良和王乃志可能因没有中央代表资格而被失去竞选资格，据她了解，在党章第41条文下，当三分之二中委辞职促成重选，它是不能够阻止任何辞职中委继续竞选。

因此，周美芬相信，他们要竞选是没有问题。

周美芬：最佳方法‧助障者就業自立

光明日報 ‧2010.03.14

周美芬（ 左2）頒發獎狀給積極參與障友活動者； 左起：籌委會主席李立友、右起為隆雪華堂署理會長翁詩玉及大會主席朱邵英。

（吉隆坡）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀斯里周美芬指出，政府去年共撥出1億7200萬令吉協助殘障人士，但她認為社會人士及政府大量以金錢支援殘障人士不是健康現象，唯有協助殘障人士投入社會工作及創業，才是幫助他們的最佳方法。

她透露，政府於2009年撥款1億1000萬令吉，對擁有工作但薪金少過1200令吉的殘障人士作為津貼。

此外，政府也撥出900萬令吉作為無法工作的殘障人士援助金。另外100萬令吉作為殘障人士創業的基金。

“政府也撥出4500萬令吉，津貼殘障人士的家人，以及撥出700萬讓非政府組織推動各種協助殘障人士的活動。”

周美芬今日（週日，3月14日）出席“讓愛看見希望”激勵營時說，除了政府的協助，社會人士近年來也大量資助殘障人士，以不同的管道給予幫助。

她指出，其實殘障人士也有自己生存的一套道理及能力，當大家過於強調殘障人士的問題時，其實也是同時在強化社會對殘障人士的刻板印象，導致他們看起來總是消極，也讓殘障人士覺得自己是需要幫助的。

她說，她訪問吉打州的一間老人院，住了350名老人的老人院竟然沒有一絲臭味及顯得髒兮兮，而承包有关中心清洁工作的竟然是一位残障人士所创立的公司。

“我認為，我們應該解讀殘障人士是擁有‘特殊能力’的一群，而非毫無是處。我希望殘障人士都被社會接納，投入工作，甚至創業。”

注：红色字体为已修正后的版本。

周美芬：截至去年11月逾27萬殘障人士登記

中国报 http://www.chinapress.com.my/content_new.asp?dt=2010-03-15&sec=mas&art=0315mc60.txt
全國選項： 社會／時事
更新: March 14, 2010 17:50

（吉隆坡14日訊）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴都卡周美芬指出，截至去年11月，已有27萬7500名殘障人士向該部登記。

她指出，福利局各機構也撥出共1億6500萬令吉津貼，給殘障人士，當中包括工作津貼、日常津貼、創業津貼等等。

“在2009年，政府也撥出700萬令吉給非政府機構以推行各種活動，幫助殘障社群。”

周美芬今早出席“讓愛看見希望”激勵營時，如是指出。

周美芬認為，殘障並不意味著個人缺乏能力，殘障人士不應對本身缺陷而感到難過，相反應該努力尋找能夠表現個人才華領域，繼續發光發熱。

她說，糖尿病、中風等疾病都能造成病患身體出現缺陷，隨社會進步，由疾病造成殘障問題也逐年增加，慶幸是越來越多非政府機構以及社會人士都主動伸出援手，幫助殘障人士，融入社會。
“根據聯合國數據顯示，全球有15至20%人口受殘障問題影響，當中包括殘障人士本身以及其親友。”

周美芬說，很多時候殘障人士會覺得被社會孤立，但都不是有意的，因為大眾不知道怎么和他們（殘障人士）相處，不曉得如何幫助他們，以及不懂得如何與他們溝通。

目前，全國擁有409間社區殘障康復中心，讓1萬7600名殘障人士從中受惠。

I Love Me Health Conference: Addressing Modern Women’s Health Concerns

SPEECH by YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
on 14th Mac 2010 at 9am


(pic: CFL)

First and foremost, allow me to take this opportunity to thank the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM) for inviting me to officiate this inaugural “I Love Me Health Conference: Addressing Modern Women’s Health Concerns” today. I would like to congratulate them for their initiative in organizing such a meaningful programme in conjunction with International Women’s Day. This is the first time that I am aware of, that an event of this nature has been held in Kuala Lumpur for the general public.

This conference addresses a very important issue. Women must love themselves and learn to understand the importance of the well-being of their mind and body. Women invariably neglect their health for a range of reasons. Given the multiple roles that women play in the society, preoccupation with their family and career is primarily the most common factor. In a society where roles are very much still pervasively stereotyped, women often internalise and accept the expected role of caring and that the responsibility of caring falls on their shoulders. But we need to empower women that they need to essentially care for themselves for they are the pillars of the family, society and also the nation.

The ‘I Love Me Health Conference’ is a multi-disciplinary event covering key topics on women’s health, such as breast and cervical cancer, heart attack, stress management, menopause, contraception and teenage issues, to name a few. Today you will have the opportunity to listen to 22 medical specialists who will deliver their presentations in non-medical terms with an opportunity for you to ask questions and engage in an interactive Q & A session.

One of the key topics which will be discussed at this conference is women’s cancer. Cervical and breast cancer are two major health issues confronting modern women today, and studies have shown that early detection is indeed possible, resulting in early treatment, leading to a better prognosis of the disease. Cancer detected early can save lives! The latest breakthrough in the prevention of cervical cancer is the development of vaccination against certain types of pathogenic HPVs which would greatly reduce the burden of these diseases.

However, regular screening still plays an important role. Both types of cancer can be detected early by screening such as clinical or self breast examinations to detect breast cancer and pap smears for cervical cancer detection. Unfortunately, not many women come forward to be screened for these two types of cancers. A study conducted by the National Population and Family Development Board in 2004 showed that only 53.2 percent of Malaysian women had ever done breast examination and only 50.6 percent had ever done Pap smear.

Many women are coming to hospitals with advanced cancer after failing to detect it early or after having tried alternative or traditional treatments. Some women seek help late for fear of being stigmatized or due to myths such as cancer only strikes elderly people or that mastectomy means death. There are also women who place their family above their own health and, in some cases; women are not given the choice in their treatment.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development through the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) introduced the mammogram subsidy programme in 2007. Women who are 40 years old and above and those in the high risk group and with household income of RM5,000 or less per month are eligible for the programme. Since its launch till December 2009, 36 private mammogram centres throughout the country including Sabah and Sarawak have registered with LPPKN. These centres have collaborated with LPPKN by providing discounts on referred mammogram examinations. More than 13,000 women had undergone mammogram screening, with 50 cancer cases being detected and 1074 cases referred for further investigations. An amount of RM18 million has been spent by the Ministry to implement this mammogram subsidy programme. Besides this, LPPKN has also organised Health Talks on Breast Cancer Awareness. More than 200 health talks have been conducted and it has benefited about 30,000 women.


Women’s health is our prime concern. Apart from delivering family planning services, LPPKN through our Nur Sejahtera or wellness program, provides reproductive health and general health screening via 53 clinics throughout the country.

To be a healthy adult, first and foremost a woman has to be a healthy child and then a healthy teenager. However, with the increasing trend of unhealthy behaviours amongst our teenagers, the health of our future generation is at stake. Data from the Ministry of Health had shown that the incidence of HIV/AIDS amongst female teenagers and female adults is on the rise and had increased from 1.2% of all new cases reported in 2,000 to 1.68% in 2008.

The incidence of abandoned babies and unwanted pregnancies has also increased at an alarming rate over the years. Statistics from the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) showed that there were 86 abandoned babies a year between 2001 and 2005. Meanwhile, the Welfare Department reported 315 cases between 2001 and 2004. According to the National Registration Department, about 155,000 babies were born out of wedlock among Muslim girls between 2001 and 2004.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has formulated a National Policy and Plan of Action on Reproductive Health and Social Education which was approved by the cabinet on 6th November 2009. The main objective of this Plan of Action is to develop individuals with positive attitudes and behaviour with respect to Reproductive Health and Social values. Good collaboration with various government agencies and NGOs is very crucial in order to realise this goal.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
LPPKN has developed youth friendly centres named kafe @TEEN to address adolescents’ health issues. Since its launch in November 2005, this programme had benefited more than 20,000 adolescents through its present three youth centres in Kuala Lumpur, Lembah Pantai and Butterworth. These kafe@TEEN centres provide clinical and counselling services as well as education and skills building programmes. Regular Health Talks called teen talks or teen chats on topics pertaining to Adolescents’ Reproductive Health Issues which include HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention are regularly conducted at these centres.

LPPKN has also developed two modules to advocate healthy and responsible lifestyles among the young. One of the modules, ‘I am In Control’ which was developed under the UNFPA project will be used in our kafe @TEEN programme. The other module, “Kesejahteraan Hidup” (Wellness in Life) is targeted towards older adolescents in the community.

Ladies & Gentlemen
I hope the topics which will be presented today empower Malaysian women to seek further guidance and advice from trained medical professionals. By attending the conference, you are already in the low risk group for all the medical issues. So give a round of applause to yourselves! I must add that it is very encouraging to see men present at this event as it shows that they truly want to understand and support the women in their lives. Women have their right to health which is a fundamental right to all. It is time for us to act and take proactive measures to ensure every woman is able to enjoy quality and affordable health care services.

Once again, I wish to thank the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM) and A Working Title, the event organiser for all the hard work. It is an honour to be here today to officiate this inaugural conference as I understand they are planning to conduct a similar conference on a larger scale. I would urge the industry to also support this conference on a bigger scale as you have a responsibility to the community especially the women. With that, I hereby declare the first women’s ‘I Love Me’ Health Conference open.


Thank you.

周美芬：召集業者會商鑒定設托兒所難題

馬華古來婦女組慶三八婦女節
中国报 http://www.chinapress.com.my/content_new.asp?dt=2010-03-15&sec=local&art=0315lj05.txt


（图:CFL)

（古來14日訊）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，未來將通過市州議員、村長與區會主席，動員各區會召集區內的托兒所經營者一起會商，以鑒定各地區成立托兒所面對的問題。

她指出，每一個市縣議會托兒所的成立都有不同規定，如八打靈再也，托兒所是社會服務，每年執照費很更宜；但在檳城，是商業方式處理，每年執照費高達5000令吉。

她說，各地區在申請成立托兒所時面對繁文縟節，馬華中央婦女組將鑒定出來，並剛與非政府組織、托兒所經營者及一些協會，主辦一個圓桌討論會，鑒定成立托兒所面對的問題。

“我們將動員各區會通過市、州議員與村長及區會主席，召集區內的托兒所經營者一起會商，針對每一個市縣議會進行遊說，成立一個委員會。

她重申，婦女組不再只是停留在聯誼性組織，而是必須從基層做起，參政與論政。

周美芬也是婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長。她昨晚受邀出席馬華古來區會婦女組，歡慶三八婦女節暨主辦庚寅年新春歌曲交流會聯歡晚宴上致詞時，發表談話。

她指出，馬華古來區會9位村長與9位市議員中，分別有3名女村長與2名女市議員，已超過所設定的30%目標，這是非常難得的；惟30%只是一個目標，不是達到就會停止的底線。

她說，現代女性應是“進得廚房、出得廳堂、登上殿堂”，但很可惜還是不時會聽到非歧視性的言論，並帶來負面影響，這些落后的思想若不突破，國家進步也是一個侷限。

針對振林山區國會議員曾亞英將在國會辯論時，要求政府撥款協助離婦的非回教婦女，周美芬指出，馬華政治策略局的研究員將給予協助，使前者在辯論時更具說服力、學術基礎與務實性。

冀代表選出好領袖帶領馬華重新出發

周美芬吁請馬華中央代表睜開眼睛，選一位真正能讓馬華在從政路途，能理直氣壯與抬頭挺胸的領袖與團隊，一掃過去的陰霾，迎向更亮麗的康莊大道。

此外，她也指出，曾亞英是馬華婦女組其中最資深的黨員，也是馬華2名女性國會議員的其中一位，應好好考慮競選中委一事。

她說，有才華的人，10個去選中委都可以；全國中央代表有判斷能力，不分男女作為投選標準。
較早時，曾亞英致詞時指出，馬華這一年來面對黨內的種種問題，領袖的斗爭連綿不斷，基層黨員悲痛萬分，華社對馬華愈來愈厭倦。

但她覺得非常慶幸婦女組黨員非常清醒，以非常堅定的心志面對黨的紛爭，大多數都很有分析力，都能做出很明智的選擇；並希望本月28日選舉時，大家能以智慧去選擇一個能帶領與鞏固黨團結，來面對大選的領袖。

此外，她也回應，至今還未考慮是否要競選中委一職。

古來馬華冀黃家定復出
馬華古來區會與婦女組領導層，一致呼吁馬華前任總會長丹斯里黃家定“復出”，以平息馬華的不穩定局勢。

馬華古來區會婦女組主席郭運蘭市議員在致詞進入尾聲時，語重心長地希望也是古來區國會議員的黃家定，能出來競選總會長，以平息馬華的局勢。她也希望曾亞英能代表婦女組競選中委。

另一方面，馬華古來區會主席陳益昇村長致詞時，也引述星雲法師語錄“當進則進，當退則退，上台要考慮，下台要容易”。

他說，如果下台容易，上台就能容易了，這些話用在黃家定身上是最適合不過。明顯希望后者能再次重新領導馬華。

曾亞英：助非回教婦女爭取離婚撥款

振林山區國會議員曾亞英將本月15日起召開的國會辯論時，提出為離婚的非回教婦女爭取撥款的建議，希望政府能一視同仁給予協助。

她指出，首相署日前宣佈，政府將撥款1500萬令吉協助前夫沒有付還贍養費，生活陷入困境的離婚回教婦女，回教法庭會先預付，再向前夫索回。

她說，很多非回教婦女在辦理離婚手續，也是面對經濟來源的問題，因此她將在國會辯論時，提出協助離婚非回教婦女爭取撥款的建議。

Malaysia recognizes women's contribution to national development

(pic: CFL)

Media: Xinhua

Date: 08 March 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 08, 2010 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Malaysia recognized women's contribution and their active and direct involvement in the national development in various aspects, a Malaysian official said here on Monday.

Malaysian Deputy Women, Family and Community Minister Chew Mei Fun made this remark at a forum held here to mark the International Women's Day.

However, Chew also recognized that there were some issues of gender inequality existing in the country's politics, economy and social aspect.

More programs need to be implemented in order to address these issues of gender inequality, she said.

Chew said that her ministry and several Malaysian government agencies were working together towards empowering women by implementing the programs outlined in the country's National Women Policies and the Women's Development Action Plan.

These plans were aimed at providing more opportunities for women to excel in the areas, Chew told Xinhua.

Admitting that there was still discrimination against women in the country, Chew said that the Malaysian government had made some amendments to the country's constitution, guaranteeing policies and laws enacted in future would be equal to both genders.

The half-day forum was attended by some 250 participants, including officials, businesswomen, scholars. Earlier on Monday, the ministry's secretary-general Nor Hayati Sulaiman said that gender equality was a pre-requisite to create an equal and fair society.Comprehensive human development could not be attained if women were discriminated, added Nor Hayati. She also noted that her ministry was tasked to train and turn out 2,000 female entrepreneurs this year in an effort to involve more women in the economic sector.

Wan Hasmah Wan Mohd, director-general of Malaysian Women's Development Department, said that a fair platform must be provided to women so that they could develop their potentials to the fullest, contributing to the country's economic, social and politics development.

She also said that the department would continue to focus on raising women's socio-economic status, building women's capacity, lifting women's living standard as well as protecting women's rights.

Bathmavathi Krishnan, president of Association of Women with Disabilities Malaysia, lauded the Malaysian government for setting up a ministry to look after women's and children's welfare.

However, she hoped that the Malaysian government would pay more attention to the disabled women, as they were much more vulnerable to exploitation.

END

周美芬：女性表現卓越‧傳媒應灌輸男女平等

光明日報‧2010.03.08

(pic: CFL)

（吉隆坡）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，時下有許多女性在媒體領域服務，而且還擔任高職，她相信女性能夠通過傳播媒體的管道，灌輸公眾更多男女平等的訊息。
她今日（週一，3月8日）出席馬來西亞社會研究院舉辦308國際婦女節之“平等權力、平等機會=所有發展”主持閉幕儀式時說，現今的女性擁有高深的學識、義務及熱忱為個人、家庭及國家而努力，她認為這與女性勤奮和不屈不撓的精神，爭取每個機會所獲得的成果。

她說，大馬女性也在各種領域，包括創業、銀行、運動、藝術，甚至科學與科技領域有達到國際性標准的表現。

她提到，大馬女性也在教育領域取得卓越性的表現，分別有58.2%、61.9%、64.9%、53.9%及38.1%女性持有文憑、就讀學士、學士學位、專業文憑及博士學位。

“至今，媒體領域有許多都是女性，我相信她們能夠通過傳播系統，灌輸公眾及社會更多男女平等的訊息。”

她認為，女性如果擁有兩性平等的意識，那麼，她們便能夠在教育下一代時灌輸兒女有關兩性平等的教育，這有助提高未來的社會人民的兩性平等意識。

她提出，該部與政府各部門將履行責任，鞏固女性在各領域的發展，包括提供落實國家女性政策（DWN）及女性發展藍圖（PTPW）。

另外，其他出席貴賓包括開幕嘉賓的婦女、家庭及社會發展部秘書長拿督諾哈雅蒂、女性發展局總監萬哈斯瑪、國家居民及家庭發展局總監拿督阿米娜女權運動研究院（NIEW）總監拿督拉菲雅、馬來西亞社會研究院總監莫哈末副教授等。

MAJLIS PERASMIAN PENUTUP HARI WANITA ANTARABANGSA

“EQUAL RIGHTS, EQUAL OPPORTUNITES: PROGRESS FOR ALL”

(pic: CFL)

UCAPAN PERASMIAN
YB DATIN PADUKA CHEW MEI FUN
TIMBALAN MENTERI PEMBANGUNAN WANITA, KELUARGA DAN MASYARAKAT

Tuan-tuan, puan-puan dan saudara-saudari pelajar yang dihormati sekalian,
Salam sejahtera dan Selamat Hari Wanita Antarabangsa,

Saya berasa amat gembira kerana pada hari ini, 8 Mac 2010 sekali lagi kita sama-sama dapat menyambut Hari Wanita Antarabangsa bagi tahun 2010 yang bertemakan “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All”. Sudah pasti melalui tema ini apa yang dititikberatkan ialah hak terhadap pembangunan untuk semua termasuk wanita. Saya percaya tema ini adalah sesuai dengan kedudukan wanita di seluruh dunia lebih-lebih lagi di negara-negara membangun.

Saya ingin merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan ucapan jutaan terima kasih kepada para hadirin semua di atas kesudian ke Majlis Sambutan Hari Wanita Antarabangsa pada tahun ini. Sokongan dan sambutan baik yang diberikan meningkatkan lagi iltizam kami di Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat (KPWKM) untuk terus melaksanakan pelbagai lagi program pembangunan untuk wanita.

Hari Wanita Peringkat Antarabangsa telah disambut sejak 35 tahun yang lalu, di mana sambutan yang pertama telah diadakan pada 8 Mac 1975. Saya difahamkan bahawa objektif Majlis Sambutan yang dianjurkan oleh Jabatan Pembangunan Wanita (JPW) pada kali ini adalah untuk meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat berhubung isu-isu wanita sejagat serta peranan semua pihak dalam menghapuskan diskriminasi gender agar pembangunan potensi wanita dapat dipertingkatkan. Selain itu, Majlis Sambutan ini merupakan salah satu bentuk pengiktirafan terhadap sumbangan wanita dalam pembangunan dan kesejahteraan keluarga, masyarakat, negara dan juga seantero dunia.

Hadirin dan hadirat yang saya hormati,

Saya percaya para hadirin telah dimaklumkan mengenai konsep gender dalam sesi forum yang diadakan sebelum ini. Peranan gender boleh dibentuk dan juga boleh diubah serta dibentuk semula untuk mewujudkan keadaan yang lebih adil dan saksama di antara lelaki dan wanita. Maka, kesaksamaan gender apabila disebut dalam konteks pembangunan wanita membawa maksud menghapuskan apa-apa rintangan yang dikenakan kepada mereka berdasarkan definisi budaya tentang peranan mereka dalam masyarakat. Ini bagi memastikan hak wanita dan lelaki sama-sama terpelihara seperti yang diperuntukkan oleh Perlembagaan Negara.

Negara kita memberi pengiktirafan terhadap sumbangan serta penglibatan wanita secara aktif dan langsung di dalam semua aspek pembangunan. Menyedari akan hakikat ini, masih banyak lagi usaha yang perlu kita laksanakan bagi menangani sebarang ketidaksamaan gender di dalam semua sektor, baik politik, ekonomi mahupun sosial.

Perjuangan untuk meningkatkan taraf dan kedudukan wanita di Malaysia bagi mencapai kesaksamaan gender tidak akan diperoleh sepenuhnya sekiranya masyarakat masih tidak memahami konsep gender, apatah lagi menerapkannya dalam semua proses pembangunan negara. Konsep gender amat berkait rapat dengan tanggapan dan persepsi masyarakat terhadap tugas dan peranan antara wanita dan lelaki.

Kita dapati bahawa adakalanya tanggapan dan persepsi tersebut betul, dan adakalanya ia tidak adil kepada satu pihak, terutamanya dalam suasana dunia yang sedang pesat menuju perubahan. Sebagai contoh, wanita sebagaimana suatu waktu dahulu yang hanya berada di rumah untuk memasak dan mengemas rumah, sebaliknya wanita pada hari ini ialah seorang wanita yang penuh dengan ilmu pengetahuan, beriltizam dan bersemangat untuk sama-sama berusaha bagi memajukan diri, keluarga dan seterusnya negara.

Semua ini kerana wanita mempunyai sifat tekun dan gigih, serta mempunyai rasa tanggungjawab dan sanggup bertungkus-lumus merebut setiap peluang yang ada. Wanita Malaysia telah menempa kejayaan bertaraf dunia seperti dalam bidang keusahawanan, perbankan, astronomi, sukan, kesenian serta sains dan teknologi. Malah di negara kita, golongan wanita telah mencapai kejayaan yang membanggakan dalam bidang pendidikan, yang mana wanita merupakan:

(1) 58.2% daripada jumlah pelajar peringkat diploma;
(2) 61.9% daripada jumlah pelajar peringkat ijazah pertama;
(3) 64.8% daripada jumlah pelajar peringkat diploma lepasan ijazah;
(4) 52.9% daripda jumlah pelajar peringkat sarjana; dan
(5) 38.1% daripada jumlah pelahar peringkat Ph.D.

Dari itu, saya menyeru kepada setiap individu termasuk wanita supaya berusaha dengan lebih gigih supaya menjadi warga negara yang dapat memberikan banyak sumbangan dan bakti ke arah memacu pembangunan negara.

Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan yang saya hormati,

Kementerian dan agensi-agensi Kerajaan yang ada pada hari ini akan terus melaksanakan tanggungjawab ke arah memperkasakan wanita khususnya dengan memberi tumpuan kepada strategi-strategi yang terkandung di dalam Dasar Wanita Negara (DWN) serta Pelan Tindakan Pembangunan Wanita (PTPW). Strategi-strategi ini dilaksanakan dengan sebaik mungkin bagi menjamin penglibatan wanita secara lebih berkesan.

Kerajaan tetap komited untuk terus menggerakkan agenda pembangunan dan pemerkasaan wanita agar mereka dapat menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi negara serta menambah pendapatan selain meningkatkan kualiti hidup masing-masing. Kesaksamaan gender merupakan salah satu agenda penting dalam usaha Kerajaan mencapai objektif menjadi sebuah negara maju berlandaskan pembangunan seimbang. Justeru, usaha strategik perlu diambil bagi menarik lebih ramai wanita untuk menceburi bidang pekerjaan.

Selaras dengan usaha Kerajaan untuk menggalakkan penyertaan lebih ramai wanita dalam pasaran pekerjaan, saya berharap agar banyak lagi usaha akan diambil untuk menghapuskan sebarang prejudis dan diskriminasi di tempat kerja. Pelaksanaan dasar-dasar yang sensitif terhadap isu gender perlu dijadikan amalan oleh setiap organisasi termasuklah penyediaan kemudahan seperti tempat penjagaan kanak-kanak. Kerajaan telah menyediakan insentif bagi menggalakkan pihak majikan untuk menyediakan kemudahan-kemudahan tersebut, namun masih ramai lagi yang tidak berbuat demikian. Semua sektor, baik sektor awam mahupun sektor swasta, perlu memahami bahawa usaha untuk mewujudkan persekitaran yang positif dan “mesra-gender” merupakan langkah penting dalam usaha meningkatkan modal insan di dalam negara.

Pihak media pula perlu lebih sensitif terhadap isu-isu berhubung kesaksamaan gender dan hak asasi manusia supaya media berperanan memupuk imej yang positif dan sikap menghormati wanita. Justeru, pengamal media perlu mematuhi garis panduan piawaian pemaparan imej wanita dalam media.

Kesaksamaan gender tidak dapat diwujudkan melalui penggubalan undang-undang dan dasar-dasar semata-mata. Sikap dan minda masyarakat terhadap peranan wanita di dalam masyarakat juga harus diubah. Hanya dengan perubahan minda dan sokongan padu masyarakat akan dapat kita merealisasikan aspirasi kesaksamaan gender yang sebenar, yakni saling mengiktiraf dan saling menghormati antara lelaki dan wanita. Justeru itu, saya menyeru semua pihak dari peringkat atasan, termasuklah ahli politik, pegawai tinggi kerajaan dan pemimpin korporat, beserta seluruh peringkat akar umbi untuk terus menyokong dan bekerjasama dengan pihak kementerian ke arah mencapai kesaksamaan gender.

Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,

Saya percaya bahawa pengisian program melalui pengendalian forum diskusi pada hari ini bersama pakar-pakar dalam pelbagai bidang di Malaysia ini bukan sahaja dapat membuka lagi minda para peserta tentang hasrat sebenar yang ingin dicapai oleh Kerajaan, bahkan juga dapat memandu arah bagaimana cara untuk setiap individu termasuk golongan wanita menggilap potensi dan mengasah keupayaan serta meningkatkan lagi kualiti dan kemahiran dalam pelbagai bidang.

Maka dengan sepatah-dua kata itu, serta harapan yang begitu menggunung, saya dengan segala sukacitanya merasmikan Majlis Penutup Sambutan Hari Wanita Antarabangsa 2010. Sekian, terima kasih.

LAUNCH OF NATIONAL ONE CHILD, ONE HOPE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

OPENING REMARKS
YB DATIN PADUKA CHEW MEI FUN
DEPUTY MINISTER FOR WOMEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT


(pic: CFL)

First and foremost, allow me to take this opportunity to thank Smart Reader® Worldwide Sdn. Bhd. for inviting me to launch this National One Child One Hope Education Scholarship Programme. I am very happy to be here today as this scholarship programme will enable underprivileged children equal opportunity to obtain quality education. In a way, this programme offers a golden opportunity, even a chance of a lifetime. Therefore, I would like to commend the initiative taken by Smart Reader® Worldwide by way of extending their helping hand to the underprivileged children in fulfilling their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

It is gratifying to note that today’s programme also has invited 80 children from various homes to celebrate Chinese New Year. I am sure the children will enjoy and remember this celebration.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is undeniable that early childhood education has profound impact on the development of children. Numerous studies have shown that children’s success and achievements are determined by how well we have prepared them from childhood. Indeed, the World Bank Report 2006 has showed that programme which promotes growth and development of young children from the age of 0 to 6 years are the best investments for developing the human capital necessary for the economic growth of a nation. More importantly, every child has the right to education especially a quality education regardless of their background and economic status.

Recognising the role and importance of early childhood education, the government plans to increase the number of children in pre-school education from the current 76% to 87% by 2013 under the National Key Results Areas (NKRA). Further, the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) roadmap has promised to improve student outcomes across the school system and to enhance access to quality education for all students. In the Budget 2010, the government has pledged RM100 million to the Permata programme as a recognition of the importance of early childhood education for children under the age of 4 in Malaysia.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Money spent in education is not consumption, but rather a worthy investment. In this regard, I would like to encourage individuals and organisations to find out more about this scholarship programme and see in what way you can contribute to this noble cause. It is my fervent hope that other corporations and organisations will emulate the example set by Smart Reader® Worldwide. And I especially think credit is due to Dr. K. H. Wang, who selflessly gave back her prize money of RM11,000 to start the ball rolling for the funds of the National One Child One Hope Education Scholarship Programme. I understand that this amount was part cash and prizes awarded by SME Corp when Dr. Wang was declared the National Women Entrepreneur 2009. In view of this, I would like to encourage more women to explore entrepreneurship as entrepreneurship provides an opportunity for women to generate income and improve their financial status. Thus, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development under the National Key Result Areas (NKRA) aims to train 4,000 women entrepreneurs by 2012.

On that note, I hereby officially launch the National One Child, One Hope Education Scholarship Programme.

Thank you and Gong Xi Fa Cai to everyone.

周美芬：婦女部超標‧僅13機構聘殘障人達標

星洲日報‧2010.03.04

玲木規子（右）代表大會贈送紀念品給周美芬（左2）。左：殘障人士發展局總監諾萊妮。（圖：星洲日報）

（吉隆坡）婦女、家庭與社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，目前只有13個政府機構達致政府所制定的1%聘用殘障人士目標，而該部所聘用的殘障人士則已達2.67%或109名。

她說，婦女部對此並不感到滿意，並表示，有意進一步增加在婦女部任職的殘障人士人數，同時也考慮為聘用殘障人士的雇主提供適當的獎勵。

周美芬今日（週四，3月4日）為“新時代工作：支持提供殘障人士就業機會及職業輔導研討會”主持開幕後說，雖然目前已有完善的法令維護殘障人士的權益，但在於提供或提昇殘障人士生活素質上，仍有待加強。

津貼低收入殘障人

她透露，為鼓勵殘障人士就業，有工作而收入低於1200令吉以下的殘障人士，婦女部會提供每月300令吉的工作津貼。

她說，殘障人士要投入社會工作將面對多項挑戰，首要就是克服社會人士對他們的刻板印象、殘障人士本身的心理障礙及適當的工作環境。

“許多殘障人士在工作一段時期後放棄的巴仙率相當高，所以只注重於協助殘障人士就業是不足夠，我們必須要有合適的計劃協助他們維持就業才算完整。”

另一方面，日本國際合作機構大馬首席代表鈴木規子則表示，大馬有將近50%的殘障人士因缺乏適當的住宿及工作環境而停止就業，這種情況非常需要大家的關注，希望能通過上述研討會提高各界的認知，以協助解決這一問題。

婦女部承諾安排‧林振福將入住老人院

星洲日報／大都會‧2010.03.04

周美芬（左）捐助300令吉援助金給不幸喪子的林振福（右）。左二起為鄭志明及洪細弟。（圖：星洲日報）

（吉隆坡）疑拒絕加入私會黨而遭尋仇殺害的18歲青年林家明的父親林振福，將在兩週內被安排入住老人院。

婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬週四（3月4日）下午前往林振福位於吉隆坡辛炳路斯里雪蘭莪組屋的住家進行慰問，並獲該部門承諾安排他入住老人院。

周美芬較後也捐助300令吉的援助金。

她在得知家明的遭遇後，要林振福節哀順變，並表示家明不願向黑勢力低頭的精神是值得贊揚的。

盼入住麻坡老人院

由於林振福的長子及幼女在十多年前已與他離婚的妻子在柔佛州麻坡居住，而前妻也將家明的骨灰安放在麻坡，所以林振福希望福利部能安排他入住在麻坡的老人院。

她也指示在場的福利部官員協助林振福查詢麻坡是否有老人院可收留他，但是林振福也表示，若麻坡沒有老人院，位於吉隆坡一帶的老人院將會是他的第二選擇。

自林家明被殺害後，與他相依為命的父親就失去了依靠，再加上行動不便所以每日三餐都成問題，幸好林振福的隔壁鄰居在得知家明的遭遇後，每日提供三餐給林振福，所以林振福的三餐才得以溫飽。

免除林振福拖欠租金

另一方面，周美芬也指示福利部官員致函吉隆坡市政局，以免除林振福拖欠了3個月共372令吉的租金。

一同前往慰問的還有大馬時裝批發進出口商公會會長拿督洪細弟、馬華蕉賴區會副主席鄭志強及星洲基金會經理林振全。

周美芬：斯里雪蘭莪組屋將進行改善

婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬表示，她從去年年尾開始已多次造訪斯里雪蘭莪組屋，發現此地區有許多空巢老人及存在許多其它的社會問題。

她說，經過週三（3月3日）在與部長開會討論後，她決定在此區推行類似國家社會政策的“社區改善計劃（Program Komuniti Lestari）”，以減緩日益嚴重的社會問題。

她披露，這計劃由福利部推行，其他參與的非政府團體包括星洲基金會、斯里雪蘭莪的民間團體及非政府團體，而拉曼大學及學院的學生將協助進行人口及問卷調查。

“在獲得調查結果後，我們才能決定為此區設計何等類型的改善計劃，相信計劃在推行後將有效的促進各族之間的關係。”

马华妇女组全国主席周美芬3月8日国际妇女节献辞

为了肯定妇女的贡献与持续争取两性平等，世界妇女从1911年开始争取订立国立妇女节，并于1913年开始，于每年的3月8日一起欢庆妇女节后，至今已过了漫长99年。然而在经历接近一个世纪之后，女性虽然成功的打破了完全由男控制的情况，然而妇女受丈夫暴力对待，孩子被人从母亲的怀抱中挟持而去的事件依旧层出不穷，甚至连越来越多女性受高等教育与越来越多女性公务员都成为社会热烈争的论课题，说明了女性至今仍然承受着被歧视、暴力、与不公平的对待。

虽然我国女性在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导致我国在整体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，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%），说明了男性仍然牢牢控制了各领域的决策权。

今年联合国所发布的国际妇女节主题：“同样的权利，同样的机会：同步迈进”所要表的讯息是唯有在落实两性拥有同样的权利、同样的机会下，才能促使人类同步迈进，加速发展！然而必须提醒的是，享有同样的机会并不一定能落实真正的平等，因此，我们必须根除仍然根深蒂固于社会的性别刻板印像和对女性的歧视：

· 我们必须排除障碍，通过落实两性平等的法律和法律的执行纠正因为性别而产生的歧视与不公；
· 我们必须改变对女性的刻板印象，提升两性平等的醒觉；
· 我们必须持续教育女性，让女性了解自己所应享有的人权；
· 我们必须接受女性是国家发展与成长的重要推手；
· 我们必须提供女性同样的权利、同样的机会和一个公平竞争的平台，否则人类同步迈进的目标将无法达致。

姐妹们，为了国家与世界的进步，让我们一起奋勇前进，和全民不分性别、不分种族，同步迈进！

Wanita MCA Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun Message on International Women’s Day 2010

“Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All”
8 March 2010

Recently, a woman was shot by her police husband, a child was abducted from her mother, and yet an upward trend of female employees in the civil service is a cause of concern.

Our sisters have long fought for gender equality- the right to vote, right to equal pay, right to be free from discrimination. This year marks the centennial of a proposal made in 1910 that to designate one same day where women all over the world celebrate achievements and demand for changes. Notably all over the world, women have progressed and made inroads into territories which were once the domain of men. However, 99 years later after International Women’s Day (IWD) was officially celebrated in 1911, women continue to suffer from discrimination, violence, injustices and inequalities in the society.

This year’s theme UN Theme for IWD 2010 “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress For All” acknowledges that given the existing inequalities, promoting equal rights and equal opportunities for women will ensure progress for all, not just women. Gender equality and women’s empowerment identified as the third Millennium Development Goal (MDGs) is recognised by United Nations as central to achieving and realising equal rights and human dignity for all.

It is important to honestly accept that Malaysia is still far from achieving gender equality. Malaysia has regressed in its overall rank over the years according to the Gender Gap Index 2009[i]- with the rank of 101 out of 134 countries, a drop from its rank at 96 in 2008, 92 in 2007 and 72 in 2006. 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 (rank at 104th), health and survival (rank at 103 th) and political empowerment (113 th).

In spite of increasing female participation in the workforce over the years, women’s higher enrolment in higher education and higher participation of women in politics, it remains an undisputable fact that men still dominate decision-making. Stereotypical attitude and behaviour of women’s gender roles which are still very much ingrained in the society hampers women’s contribution to the progress and growth of a nation.

It is imperative to note that equal opportunities itself does not guarantee real equality. The 3rd Millennium Goal which is gender equality and women’s empowerment remain as critical elements towards achieving equal rights. As such, we need address the root cause of gender inequalities which stems from gender stereotypes and discrimination which are deep-seated in the cultures of society.

(1) We need to rectify imbalances in the society as a result of gender discrimination such as removing barriers, putting in place enabling conditions to fulfil and realise women’s human rights and legislating and effectively implementing laws and policies which promotes gender equality.
(2) We need to create a cultural shift on the stereotypical perception of women and to cultivate awareness on gender equality.
(3) We need to educate, empower women on their rights as a human being.
(4) We need to reiterate that we are in an era where women play an essential role and recognised as critical agent in the development and growth of a nation.
(5) We need concerted efforts to ensure women are given equal access to opportunities in every sphere given the unequal playing field. If women are denied opportunity to contribute in the society then progress for all is not possible.

Thus, this year’s theme recognises women’s role and contribution in the society. And with equal rights and equal opportunities where women can participate equally in all spheres without discrimination, women can enjoy fundamental freedoms and live meaningfully as a human being, the expected result would be progress for all.

[i] http://www.weforum.org/pdf/gendergap/rankings2009.pdf

周美芬：20年執法不足‧無障礙城市未達目標

星洲日報‧2010.03.01


周美芬（左）在殘障人士的帶領下，參觀有關殘障人士困境的圖片展，以了解殘障人士所面對的困境。（圖：星洲日報）

（吉隆坡）無障礙建築物建設指南推行約20年，仍無法達致目標，婦女、家庭與社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬承認，政府力有不逮。

她在出席該部與聯合國進行的一項為殘障人士提供無障礙環境研討會後說，從80年代設立的無障礙建築物建設指南，但由於缺乏執法，特別是地方政府，導致大馬仍無法達到無障礙城市的目標。

詢及政府何將考慮把上述指南落實為法令，強制國內所有建築物及公共設施須提供讓殘障人士自由行動的設施時，她表示，將通過今日（週一，3月1日）研討會的報告出爐後，該部門再向政府提呈克服無障礙友善環境所面對的問題的建議。

她指出，導致大馬無法為殘障人士提供無障礙交通與環境的其中一個原因，是出現不同建築物的建設指南。例如，公共工程局和大馬標準局規定的走道指南，就不一致。

她也透露，建築環境與交通設計委員會，也已草擬有關無障礙巴士的指南，以確保未來所有的巴士都能讓殘障人士自由乘搭。

應教育官員提高認知

她也建議競標部門或相關部門成立遊說團，拜訪所有地方政府官員，藉此教育及灌輸他們對提高無障礙城市的認知與醒覺，以達到無障礙障城市的目標。

“每個地方政府都有自己的司法權限、財政預算、條例等，但地方政府的官員卻很少被調職，因此，藉著教育這一群人，將有效助於大馬改善現有的環境。”

另外聯合國駐馬來西亞、新加坡及汶萊協調員卡馬勒馬爾霍特拉在致詞中吁請各造，為殘障人士打造無障礙的公共交通及公共建設，以提高他們參與不同的社交與經濟活動。

周美芬：保持中立‧非政府組織不應入政黨

星洲日報‧2010.03.

（吉隆坡）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬表示，她並不是非政府組織，並不能為非政府組織說話；但是，若她是非政府組織，她不會同意加入政黨。

她表示，國內有許多非政府組織，會員只有百人，這些人數和馬華及國陣成員黨的人數相比，差之何止千里，但就是因為它們的立場是中立的，因此所講的話也就擲地有聲。

她於今日（週一，3月1日）出席婦女、家庭與社會發展部與聯合國進行的一項為殘障人士提供無障礙環境研討會後，受詢馬華婦女組對國陣建議修改黨章，招收國陣直屬黨員制的立場時，發表上述談話。

她認為，若國陣要招收非政府組織加入國陣，倒不如以施政的成績來說服它們，讓它們在政黨體制外，繼續以它中立的立場來說一些公道話，支持國陣。

“否則萬一非政府組織加入了國陣，它們頭上的光環很可能就會褪色，這樣一來就達不到國陣想要的效果。”

她強調，只要在施政上贏得民心，就能贏得非政府組織的支持。

國陣招收直屬黨員需確保政黨獨大不加劇

周美芬表示，在落實國陣直屬黨員制時，只要確保不會導致某一些政黨的權利無限量擴大或獨大繼續嚴重化，且不分種族、以績效為先、以民為主，能真正在國陣政黨內營造一個開放、和公平的環境，她並不反對這項建議。

她表示，在現今這個資訊流通講究開放的年代，門戶開放是必須的。讓所有人進來，一起貢獻是應該的，但是必須確保在上述條件具足的情況下才開放；若是這樣，她不反對。

“但若缺乏這樣的共識和認知的情況下開放，會否導致某些政黨的權利無限量擴大或獨大的情況繼續嚴重化，這是我們所關注的。”

她強調，在這個課題上，大家必須有誠意，以朝向開放開明的方向來進行。

5000男女拋柑求姻緣‧靈市再也公園人擠人

光明日報‧2010.03.01

周美芬站在最前方，不幸被後方來的“拋柑陣” 敲到頭，露出一臉尷尬的表情。（圖：光明日報）


(photo: CFL)

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）元宵拋柑一直都是大馬一年一度的熱鬧慶典，隆市敦拉薩皇后公園今年宣佈停辦拋柑活動一年後，雪隆地區只剩下靈市再也公園元宵舉辦的“拋柑迎愛慶元宵”，自然吸引了從雪隆各地來的青年男女前往，將小小公園擠得水泄不通，連外國遊客也慕名探訪。
由青運八打靈縣會所舉辦的“拋柑迎愛慶元宵”週日（2月28日）在靈市再也公園舉行，吸引了逾5000名男女赴會。

祝福語系許願樹

此外，主辦當局也準備了300個許願氣球600艘許願船，讓公眾在氣球和船上寫上祝福語後，再隨公眾隨意綁在許願樹上。

當天也呈現多項節目包括歌舞表演，還有財神爺派柑，現場也開放讓單身男女登記報名，以便參與4月份所舉行的另一項聯誼活動。

另外，也有網絡電視Truly Asia全程轉播現場情況，通過網上也能瞭解拋柑活動的進行。

受訪的男女皆表示，參加拋柑活動主要是來開開眼界，如果抱著想找另一伴的心情來，恐怕很難成事。

周美芬：遲婚造成社會問題

婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬致詞時指出，希望通過拋柑活動找尋伴侶並不容易，而如今大馬面對就是男女結婚平均年齡越來越遲的問題。她指出，如今男性平均結婚年齡為30歲，女性為27歲。

“很多人以為遲婚是個人問題，但其實這也造成社會問題，譬如生育率降低、生育年齡縮短、孩子人數降至2至2.5個，及孩子還未畢業，父母卻已退休的情況。”

她希望，年輕人不要太過注重工作，因為男性普遍不結婚是因事業心重，女生則是尚未找到適婚對象，這些問題需要大家共同克服。

出席活動者包括武吉加星州議員李寶霖，青團運總會長黃振榮及雪蘭莪分會主席許國新等人。

注：红色字体为修正后的版本

周美芬：平衡推行 消费税不增穷人负担

(图：CFL)

光华日报 http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2010/03/01/18.html
二零一零年三月一日 凌晨十二时八分

（吉隆坡28日讯）妇女、家庭及社会发展部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬相信并希望首相即将于3月公布的新经济模式不会忽略低收入群，并认为政府在实施消费税时，会推行平衡政策，以避免增加贫穷人士的负担。

她说，落实消费税制度并非如反对党所言，主要目的是透过向人民征收消费税来提高政府的经济收入。

她相信政府在消费税制度下，会提供各种津贴协助贫穷人士，以达到平衡。

她周日午出席雪直摩托车商公会元宵节团拜暨捐赠5辆残疾人士专用摩托车予八打灵再也美门残障关怀基金的活动，并受邀上台致词时指出，希望首相拿督斯里纳吉3月公布的新经济模式将宣布完整架构，在提升人民收入让大马成为高收入国的同时，也不会忽略低收入的族群。

赞公会赠专用摩托车

今天是周美芬第一次出席雪直摩托车商公会的活动和新春团拜，她对于该公会施赠残疾人士专用摩托车的举动感到开心。

她表示，这项捐赠活动符合政府推动“生产力福利”计划，为残疾人士或弱势族群带来生产力，并带动国家经济发展。

她提及，首相去年公布的6大国家关键成效领域（NKRA），其中一项就是消除贫穷，这也是该部必须在今年12月31日之前，协助4万4000人脱离赤贫的挑战。

黄锋：邀请税务专家讲解

雪兰莪暨联邦直辖区摩托车商公会会长准拿督黄锋披露，该公会将邀请税务专家讲解消费税制度，以让会员掌握该政策内容。

他在该公会元宵活动上致词指出，一般的商家普遍上还不了解消费税制度，因此该会已筹划主办有关消费税的讲座会，邀请税务专家讲解。

他说，该会每年都会颁发会员及职员子女奖励金、探访与捐赠慈善机构以及主办行业相关的商业课程及讲座，因为在现代的商业社会，只是具有生意人的头脑是不足够的，并应该拥有企业的知识，以便开拓他们的商业视野以及提升竞争力与成功率。

此外，他表示在面对一些对行业不利的政策或法令时，该会也会即刻向有关当局反映，例如不久前报导指贸消部将提呈国会修订1967年租购法令，该会就马上连同总会会见贸消部副部长拿督陈莲花，并提呈备忘录。

他认为，首相刚刚公布去年第四季度取得4.5％成长的好消息，将加强人民对经济的期望，而他指出，虽然2009年全国的摩托车销量受到全世界金融风暴的影响，比2008年下滑了约18％，从54万3000辆跌至44万7000辆左右。

但他相信这短暂的挫折，不会打击同业们的打拼精神，并能够在这回暖的良好时机，争取较好的业绩。

注：红色字体为修正后的版本

Accessibility And Universal Design: Implications For Public Transport And The Built Environment

Speech By YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community development
on 1 Mac 2010

Ladies and gentleman,
I am delighted to welcome all of you to this conference. I also would like to take this opportunity to greet our foreign speakers a warm welcome to Malaysia – “Selamat Datang.” This is an important conference because it draws attention to one of the most critical issues facing persons with disabilities and we as a developing country have to work very hard to deal with it.

Among the many difficulties encountered by people with disabilities, access to built environment and public transport is the most critical. While developed countries have made considerable progress in improving accessibility by adopting universal design principles, developing countries such as Malaysia is still lagging behind.

The Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 has integrated the critical importance of universal design. This law recognises equal rights of people with disabilities to access and use of public facilities, public transport facilities, amenities, services and buildings open or provided to the public and that both the Government and providers of these facilities must ensure that they conform to universal design. In addition, Malaysia is obliged to promote an inclusive, barrier-free and rights based society for persons with disabilities under the Biwako Millennium Framework and to take appropriate measures to ensure persons with disabilities will have access to the physical environment and public transport as a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Ladies and Gentleman,
In spite of our national and international commitment to ensuring accessibility, we still face difficulties in creating access to public transport and the built environment as a result of lack of good practice standards and awareness. Thus where improvements are made they are not always appropriate for the users. There are very few studies on accessibility for persons with disabilities and therefore, generally little or no data to plan, implement, monitor and evaluate projects. In addition, there are also gaps between institutional structures and policies as well as lack of public awareness which results in public misuse of facilities built for people with disabilities.

In this context, I am very pleased to note that UNDP and the Government of Malaysia have embarked on a project which aims to support the development of a fully accessible public transportation system for all. Based on the findings and recommendations of the access audit, a strategy on improving public transport has been developed and will be presented to the government. Although this project was carried out in Penang, the findings and recommendations are applicable in other states of Malaysia.

The findings are nothing new, however when measured against existing policies and guidelines on accessibility, it does raise serious concern. For example, in Malaysia it is mandatory that all public buildings be made accessible to persons with disabilities. An amendment was made to the Uniform Buildings Bylaws (UBBL) making it compulsory to provide access to enable persons with disabilities to get into, out of and within the buildings.It further added that buildings already built before the commencement of this by-law must be altered to comply with the by-law within 3 years from the date of commencement. It also categorically stated that it must comply with the code of practice on accessibility as laid out in the Malaysian Standards, MS 1184 and MS 1331. However, almost 2 decades later many of our public buildings continue to remain inaccessible to persons with disabilities.

I am also concerned that while we have clearly established standards and guidelines on accessibility, the construction of pavements for instance are often not built according to the standards required . Difficulties encountered in our effort to createaccess are further compounded by the lack of enforcement of illegal parking, illegal businesses and numerous obstructions along the walkways. These issues are highlighted visually at the foyer just outside this ballroom. The photo exhibition illustrates typical problems relating to accessibility which is common in Malaysia.Ladies and gentleman,It is good to know that representatives from the Local Councils from around the country as well as those in the various Ministries and government departments, private sector, universities and civil society including persons with disabilities are here today. It is important that we work together as managing access is everyone’s responsibility. While what I have highlighted are challenges, however, it is important to note and recognise that there are commendable efforts in improving accessibility especially in the Klang Valley.

Ladies and gentleman,
The government is committed to further improve our public transportation system through the Government Transformation Program under the leadership of our Prime Minister. The Government Transformation Programme has amongst its six National Key Result Areas, one specifically addressing the upgrading of urban public transportation system. I am pleased to share that one of the four sub-National Key Result Areas is to anchor our efforts to deliver significant improvements in urban public transport aimed at ensuring the ability of the people to have easy and good access to public transport.’

The Government is committed to the principles of non-discrimination and social inclusion for people. I would like to emphasise that the concept of 1 Malaysia introduced by our honourable Prime Minister does not merely focus on the integration and unity amongst ethnic groupsbut also places importance on the integration of all levels of peoples in the nation, including underprivileged communities such as people with disabilities. No one will be left out from the development of the country; everyone deserves to enjoy a conducive environment without any discrimination!

Accessible public transport policy, within the framework of an overall integrated transport policy is fundamentally important to delivering that commitment. I will be expecting a report from this conference with detailed proposals specifically targeted at improving accessibility and the incorporation of universal design principles to public transport and the built environment. I thank UNDP for your partnership and for collaborating with the Government of Malaysia.

Dengan ini, saya dengan sukacitanya merasmikan Persidangan Kebangsaan “Accessibility And Universal Design: Implications For Public Transport And The Built Environment”. Sekian, terima Kasih.