《天上、人间与地狱》

星洲日报《纵目乾坤》第七篇

对于毛泽东的魄力与政治魅力，即使您不认同他的理念与领导方式，您也不得不折服！

但，作为女性，我对于他的那一句；“女人能顶半边天”的名言却是大大的不以为然，甚至多年来一直尝试在妇女的大小场合以“每人头上一片天”予以取代，可惜的是，人微言轻，我那句“每人头上一片天”至今只有我一个人不时的挂在口头上，不但引不起共鸣，响应者也寥寥无几！

马来西亚宪法8(2)清楚阐明没有人可以因为性别而受到歧视，落实女性占决策层30%也成为联合国和多个国家的政策，但说易行难，女性的附属角色还是处处可见。

打开今天的报章，女性傲视群伦，神采飞扬的风采和扭曲人性，委曲求全的楚楚可怜互为映照。一个是以个人才华赢得肯定而灿烂焕发，让国家以她为荣的马来西亚科学家拿督马芝南，另一个则是在新加坡，被恶夫行私刑“惩罚”而在烈日下与两名儿子绕着组屋跑了40圈，约8公里并三度跪拜叩首的可怜妻子，前者可能成为联合国首位“太空大使”，扮演打通地球与外星人接触管道的历史性角色，后者则是连警察都分不清何为家事，何为虐待而撒手不管，宛如活在地狱的妻子。可笑的是，她们活着的空间都在人间。

父母与孩子，丈夫与妻子的相处是不是应该以法官和犯人的关系处理？在夫妻间的强迫性交已被禁止的今天，什么叫家事，什么叫私刑？必须清楚划分！一个国家如何对待女性，其实也反映了有关国家的文明程度，我无法想象，上述事件发生后，向来以文明自诩的新加坡会置之不理，接着下来的发展且让我们拭目以待。

当我们在怜悯邻国女性的苦难时，我们不能不反求诸己，看吧，我们有多少活在恶夫暴力下的女性一再的面对有关当局以一句家事为由而拒绝处理？更有多少女性在警方欲进一步侦查时临阵退缩而放弃控诉？为什么？因为我们无法让受害者感觉安全，对她们来说，举发的后果可能比举发前更为可怕。

把女性当成原罪，认为活该的观念根深蒂固，即使简单如女导游被迫与男司机或男导游同房的事，有关当局至今仍然拒绝解决，以女性为主导的该部门对女性权利的漠视态度已达让人匪夷所思的地步。这是否也反映了有关部门只适合推销马来西亚的原始热带雨林而不适合推销我国的文明呢？

女人不祈求活在天上，因为那是万中选一，不是人人可为，女人只求活在人间，因为那是基本人权。只要一天我们仍然认为女人和男人只能各顶半边天，那我们就无法摆脱那种男女有别的观念，倡导“每人头上一片天”的观念是因为，除了生理上的差别，在个人人权、个人对社会国家的责任和个人的表现空间上，大家共享一片天，这一片天下有你也有我，不分彼此，不分尊贵贫贱！大家都是主人，没有谁是谁的附属品。

因此，当丈夫有外遇时，不能简单的归咎为妻子是黄脸婆、当孩子品行不好时，不能简单的认为是妈妈没教好、当强奸案发生时，不能推卸责任说因为女性穿得太性感！

周美芬  28/9/2010

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。

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。

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%。

“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.

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 Fun
Wanita 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.

The Gender Trap – Women, Violence and Poverty

SPEECH by YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

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

A very good afternoon to all of you.

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

Ladies and gentlemen,

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

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

Ladies and gentlemen,

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

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

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

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

Thank you.

Polygamy Not The Answer, Says Wanita MCA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

丹州设女性运动服装标准，周美芬深感不满

马华妇女组主席周美芬对吉兰丹哥打巴鲁市议会在公园竖立告示牌，告诫回教徒和非回教徒女性的运动服装指南深表不满。

“人们日常生活，无论是运动或上班甚至是休闲，只要穿上适当得体而不暴露的衣服就没有人有理由或权力进行干涉。这种自由释放诸四海皆准的，是连政府也不应，也无权干涉的！＂

她说，回教党歧视女性，侵犯女性权益的政策层出不穷，不但侵犯妇女人权，也严重冲击非回教徒女性的日常生活作息。

“回教党一再针对女性服装开刀，问题是，是不是只有回教党的服装标准才算是得体端庄，其他人的服装就是“性感、碍眼”？难道回教党的那一套就是道德高尚，其他人的标准就是道德沦丧。”

周美芬批评回教党领袖充斥大男人沙文主义，接连制定穿着条规管制妇女的自由，包括禁止妇女使用口红和穿高跟鞋，将妇女看作是男人的奴役，侵犯妇女的人权。

“我们严厉谴责回教党以福利国包装回教化，在政策中渐进式推行回教化议程，包括宣扬回教价值，强化回教教义，欺骗选民。”

Wanita MCA: Dress code by PAS infringes human rights

Press Statement issued by Wanita MCA National Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun over the decision by Kota Bharu Municipal Council to enforce standards on women’s sportswear in the park

Responding to a news article published inSin Chew Jit Poh today on the Kota Bharu Municipal Council’s decision to enforce sportswear standards, Wanita MCA National Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun today opposed the said decision. It was reported that the Kota Bharu Municipal Council had put up a sign in a park informing PAS members, as well as non-members, that women’s sportswear standards have become morally unacceptable.

Mei Fun insists that “no one has the right to infringe on the way people dress, whether it be for sports or at work, or even resting at home, as long as it is not too revealing. This is an internationally recognized right, and not even the government should have the authority to interfere.”

Mei Fun remarked that the sexist policies undertaken by PAS not only curtail the rights and liberties of women, but they also impact their daily lives.

“PAS insists on the issue of women’s clothing, but the real question is, who are they to set the standards? Why must they label the dressing of others as, ‘too sexy’ or ‘inappropriate?’ The rhetoric of PAS seems to be that they are morally superior, while everyone else is deemed morally bankrupt,” she pointed out.

Mei Fun also criticized the PAS leadership for their excessive male chauvinism, and setting limits on women’s freedom, including a ban on lipstick and high heels. “This make it seem that women are almost the slaves of men, and in turn, restricts their basic human rights.”

“We severely condemn the PAS leadership in taking steps to promote an Islamist state, including introducing Islamist policies, and propagating extremist values. In enforcing these principles, they are in fact deceiving the general populace,” she reiterated.

周美芬警告勿企图实施塔利班回教政策

回教党又在批评女性衣着！

女性衣着再次引起回教党的争论！这次矛头直指采访线上的女记者，没有戴头巾被回教党套上穿着不端庄的罪名。

马华妇女组主席周美芬对回教党代表在回教党大会上，接连批评女记者没有戴头巾采访，衣冠不符回教穿着的事件感到厌恶，并警告回教党勿企图在国内实施塔利班的回教化政策。

周美芬说，强制非回教徒女记者戴头巾的呼吁，显示回教党的狭隘思想是向阿富汗的塔利班政权看齐。

“除了坚持落实回教刑事法是该党的终极目标外，另一个令人担忧的是，回教党企图管制妇女的自由，将妇女看作是男人的奴役。”

“塔利班统治下的阿富汗妇女必须全身罩在连帽的长袍中，不准露出身体的任何部分，她们没有受教育的权利，被规定关在家中，除非父亲、兄弟或丈夫陪伴外，一律不准出门。我们应该制止回教党在国内实行任何歧视和约束女性的封建回教化措施。”

此外，周美芬补充，回教党代表呼吁对媒体制定衣着条规，要求非回教徒女记者穿戴头巾是强制他人遵守该党的条规，属实过分行径，严重侵犯基本人权，并促请该党开明和尊重尤其是非回教徒的服装穿着自由。

“女记者的工作是采访回教党大会的新闻，衣着何辜？按照回教党代表的逻辑，只要女性穿戴头巾才算庄重？我对回教党代表又在批评女性服装感到反感，这更加凸现他们的无知和父权至上的霸权思维，一味要求女性符合男性的要求。”

周美芬促请回教党认清现在女性的角色和社会地位今非昔比，经过社会的文明发展进程，今时今日的我国女性也能和男性并驾齐驱，在职业上和财务能力平起平坐。

“在这个课题上，女性尤其是非回教徒有穿着自由，回教党有必要矫正与教化该党党员对女性装扮的认知和尊重，体认男女之间的平权发展与两性尊重，领导两性迈向一个互重互敬的社会。”

7.6.2009

Chew Mei Fun – “Malaysia must prevent the spread of Talibanisation led by PAS”

Press Statement issued by Wanita MCA National Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun rejecting calls by PAS delegates that women reporters must cover up and be separated from men

Wanita MCA rejects calls by PAS delegates that women reporters must cover up and be separated from men: Chew Mei Fun – “Malaysia must prevent the spread of Talibanisation led by PAS”

Wanita MCA National Chairman YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun today was aghast at the criticisms by several delegates at PAS general assembly against women reporters covering PAS functions who did not cover up their heads.

It was reported inThe Star on 7 Jun 09 that a PAS delegate from Penang, Tapiudin Hamzah had hit out at women members of the media who had not covered their heads, saying that even if they did not own headscarves, they could at least make an attempt to cover their heads with handkerchiefs of even rags. Another PAS representative from Pahang questioned why women members of the media were allowed to mingle freely with their male colleagues.

Mei Fun decried, “the narrow minded thinking perpetuated by PAS delegates is the forefront of the Talibanisation of Malaysia should PAS ever seize federal power. Apart their vehement insistence of establishing an Islamic state which calls for hudud and syariah laws to be imposed even on non-Muslims, what is equally worrisome is that PAS intends to regulate women, thus subjugating them as inferior to men as evidenced with their chastising against women reporters who were carrying out their assignments.”

Noting that women members of the media were decently attired when reporting events, the Wanita MCA chairman did not conceal her fears of PAS descending into the footsteps of the Talibans in Afghanistan. “During the Taliban rule of Afghanistan, women were forced and still are expected by societal pressure to be wrapped from head to toe in burqas. They were not allowed to be educated. Neither could they leave their homes without being accompanied by a male family member. At all costs, Malaysia must prevent the spread of Talibanisation led by PAS.”

“Perhaps PAS had forgotten that during the Bukit Gantang by-election campaign rounds, the female reporters who had covered Dato’ Seri Nizar Jamaluddin’s movements wore the same type of attire which they did at PAS’muktamar. There appears to be double standards in PAS whereby when they want votes and publicity for their election campaign, they do not object to the audience and members of the media of both genders sitting and mingling together. But at their AGM, they demand female members of the media to cover up and deny them the freedom to double check their notes with their male counterparts. PAS should be aware that sometimes journalists would refer to each other’s notes for clarity.”

Mei Fun also called on PAS to be mindful that co-education schools, boys and girls learn together. “PAS should also observe that in co-education schools, female and male pupils are taught together in classrooms where they also sit next to each other and intermingle with each other during physical education classes, recess and after school hours while waiting for their transport to go home.”

Lastly, Mei Fun urged PAS delegates to recognize that women today are no more of yesteryears where they were confined to the domestic sphere. “Overcoming many traditional hurdles of the past, Malaysian women today are career minded and hold jobs no different from men. PAS should recognize that over the generations, women have progressed greatly. Rather than relegating women, PAS should treat women as equals, respect and support the advancement of women in whatever jobs they pursue. Perhaps PAS is not aware that in any working environment, it is natural that men and women are bound to meet each other.

Wanita MCA also challenged DAP and PKR to voice out clearly and loudly against their Pakatan Rakyat counterpart PAS’ narrow ways to prove their sincerity in rejecting anything extremist.

爭取外籍配偶享公民身份‧周美芬備忘錄呈內長

光明日報‧2009.06.05

（吉隆坡）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬強調，政府應該給予所有合法婚姻的外籍配偶享有與公民同等的身份，而這些配偶也應該履行納稅的責任。

她表示，馬華婦女組和婦女援助機構、馬華策略分析與政策研究所（INSAP）將會儘快草擬一份“外籍配偶權益”備忘錄，以呈給新任內政部長希山慕丁，促請內政部著手解決懸而未決的外籍配偶所面對的問題。

她表示，這一份備忘錄將涵蓋長久以來困擾外籍配偶的各項問題，包括簽證、永久居留、工作准證及孩子簽證等，它將是一份完整資料的備忘錄，主要是希望內政部能與時進，修改及修正一些法案，以公平及公正的解決問題。

周美芬也是婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長，她是今日（週五，6月5日）為一項由馬華婦女組和馬華政策研究局舉辦的外籍配偶權益工作坊主持開幕後，在記者會上如此表示。

泰國配偶佔大多數
她表示，根據前內政部長賽哈密之前公佈的數據，大馬約有近10萬名外籍配偶，而於2001至2008年間，政府發出8600張簽證給外籍配偶和他們的孩子。他們當中泰國配偶佔大多數，其次是印尼和印度、新加坡、菲律賓。這顯示大馬的外籍配偶的人數經非常龐大，政府是有必要關注，並著手解決。

她表示，政府在處理外籍配偶的地位上，應該糾正性別歧視，即使是現在政府允許外籍女性配偶在大馬工作，可是她們依然必須獲得丈夫簽署同意書，但外籍丈夫卻不會面對這樣的問題。

另外，在申請居留簽證或永久居留條件上，外籍妻子必須只能以婚姻關係為申請後盾，而不像外籍丈夫，可以通過工作理由申請。“在這種情況下，一旦婚姻出現問題，就引發許多問題，比如丈夫不願攜帶妻子到移民廳去辦延長簽證，導致妻子最後被驅趕離國。如果他們育有孩子，那受苦的將會是無辜的孩子。”

周美芬也希望政府能夠減少申請這類證件的繁文縟節，簡化申請程序，讓合法結婚的外籍配偶可以更快獲得公民地位。

居留2年可申請公民
她表示，根據大馬法律，一名外籍妻子只要在大馬居留超過2年才可以提出申請公民，而她們要申請成為永久居留，則必須至少要居留5年才會受到當局考慮。

“至於外籍丈夫，則申請條件更為苛刻，他必須居留在大馬至少10年才符合申請的最基本條例。”

周美芬表示，基於這種種問題，婦女組希望通過週五的工作坊，收集各方專業單位的知識，擬定完整備忘錄。

同時，內政部長特別顧問也在記者會上承諾會協助安排婦女組與內政部長的會見及提呈忘錄。

Treat foreign wives equally, says Chew

The Star News Saturday June 6, 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreigners married to Malaysians should be treated equally as locals and be recognised as a part of our society, said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

“It is ridiculous for pregnant foreign wives to pay double the medical fees when they are giving birth to Malaysian children,” she said after attending a forum and workshop on foreign spouses in Malaysia, organised by Wanita MCA and the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research here yesterday.

She said the party and the Women’s Aid Organisation had received requests from foreign spouses to help them obtain citizenship and permanent resident status.

MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong said he had dealt with cases of foreigners who were forced to return to their home country because their Malaysian husbands wanted to divorce them.

He would be presenting some solutions to Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

Forum and Workshop on Foreign Spouses in Malaysia

Organised by WANITA MCA & Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP)

Officiating Speech by YB Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, National Chairman of Wanita MCA cum Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development

Firstly, I would like to extend our gratitude to the panel speakers- En Zaidi Bin Yahya, Chief Assistant Director of Visa, Pass and Permit Division of the Immigration Department; Ms Bina Ramanand, Coordinator of Foreign Spouses Support Group (FSSG) and Ms Pushpa Ratnam, Bar Council who have kindly accepted our invitation to speak at this forum which aims to inform us of the current laws and policies which affect foreign spouses; key challenges faced by foreign spouses; and best practices in other countries in relation to foreign spouses.

Secondly, I’d like to thank Ms Pushpa Ratnam from the Bar Council, Ms Alice Lee Sok Wah, Chairman of the Selangor and Wilayah Chinese Assembly Hall and Mr David Yoong, MCA Wilayah Public Service and Complaints Bureau, for agreeing to facilitate three breakout groups for Session 2 on topics right to stay, right to work and rights of children to foreign parent respectively. Thanks also to Sumitha Shaanthinni, Bar Council and Ivy Josiah from Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) in facilitating Session 3 and Session 4 respectively.

And to all the participants today, thank you for your time and efforts in participating in this forum and workshop with the aim of drafting a Joint Memorandum on Foreign Spouses in Malaysia to be presented to the Minister of Home Affairs.

Wanita MCA, a women’s wing of MCA firmly believes in upholding the principle of non-discrimination and gender equality. We also take interests in issues which affect the well being of all irrespective of gender, ethnicity or nationality.

As such, this forum and workshop was mooted out of our concern for long-standing challenges faced by foreign spouses, both foreign wives and husbands and also children of a foreign parent. Foreign spouses of Malaysian men and women continue to face numerous challenges on several fronts primarily on the issue of right to stay, right to work and rights of their children.

There is an estimated 100,000 foreign spouses in Malaysia. However, according to the former Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, there were more than 8,600 entry permits issued to foreigners including spouses and children of Malaysians to stay in the country between 2001-2008; of which the majority are Thais, second largest Indonesians followed by Indians, Singaporeans, Filipinos and other nationalities. (New Straits Times, 12 Mar 2009). Perhaps with the briefing later from Mr Zaidi Bin Yahya, we would be more informed of the status of foreign spouses with social visit visa, spousal visa, permanent residency and citizenship.

In discussing this issue on foreign spouses, we often hear challenges faced by foreign women married to Malaysian men, Malaysian women’s foreign husband and children. There is one commonality though- women!

In this 21st century, women still face discrimination and gender inequality primarily due to unequal gender relations between women and men. There are stereotypical gender roles and responsibilities attached to women and men which are often commonly accepted and uncontested by the general public. With gender stereotyping, there is a clear division of roles between men and women.

It is no wonder that there are different sets of standard applied to foreign spouse of a female citizen as opposed to foreign spouse to a male citizen in respect of right to stay, right to work and right of conferring citizenship to children. Such disparity may also be reflected in national policies and laws in Malaysia such as the Federal Constitution and immigration laws where provisions are silent for foreign spouse of female Malaysian citizen. Thus, there is an impending need to review policies and laws which are less favourable towards women.

Right to stay, right to work and rights of children to foreign parent are core issues affecting foreign spouses in Malaysia.

On the issue of right to stay, both foreign wives and foreign husbands face an array of challenges with regard to renewal of social visit pass or spousal visa and application for permanent residency and citizenship. As we understand, the process of renewal for spousal visa and process of application for residency and citizenship is often lengthy and cumbersome for many foreign spouses because of the need for frequent renewals, ranging from monthly, quarterly to half-yearly.

Next, the mandatory requirement for the presence of the sponsor of a foreign spouse which is usually the Malaysian female or male citizen poses great challenge to most. Such mandatory requirement for the presence of the sponsor is particularly problematic in cases involving domestic violence. This would put women in very precarious situation where they are vulnerable to further abuse and may have to continue enduring violence in their home for fear of being deported.

Compounding this would be if the foreign wife has children who are Malaysians, she would fear having to be deported without her children. Similarly in situations where their husband disappears or in the case of divorce, the foreign wife faces real risk of deportation without a sponsor. Thus, foreign wives may be stranded here in Malaysia for she may not be able to return to her home country with her children due to various factors such as financial constraints and that her children need to stay in Malaysia since they are Malaysian citizens.

However, the issue in question is the right of stay of foreign wife who has stayed in Malaysia for some good years and has the intention to stay in Malaysia. Do our Federal Constitution and immigration policies and laws permit such circumstances or even accord the right to stay to a foreign spouse, especially those with children?

What about the right to stay of a foreign husband married to a Malaysian female citizen compared to a foreign wife? In reality, they face different standards in terms of their right to stay. Based on the NGO Shadow report on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) 2005, foreign husbands can stay in Malaysia on social visit passes whilst foreign wives on dependent passes. Further, they face delays in their application for permanent residency; in some cases, even rejection within a month of application for entry permit by foreign husbands, whilst application for the same by foreign wives would not be outright rejected but still be in the process of ‘pending approval’. There appears to be a double standard in procedure for the application of PR status between foreign husbands and wives to Malaysian citizens where foreign husband can only apply based on his employment status whilst for foreign wife just by virtue of her marriage to a Malaysian citizen. In addition, a foreign wife is eligible to apply for permanent residency with a minimum of 5 years continuous residency in Malaysia, however for foreign husbands, the minimum requirement is 10 years.

Similarly, in the case of citizenship- while it is expressly stipulated in Article 15(1) of the Federal Constitution that any woman whose husband is a Malaysian citizen and with continuous residence in Malaysia for at least two years prior to application is entitled to apply to be a citizen; however such privilege is not equally accorded to a man married to a Malaysian woman. The foreign husband may have to resort to applying for citizenship under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution which requires the stay of 10 years in the country. As such our Immigration laws may not be fair to the male spouse of a Malaysian woman.

To our understanding, it is the prerogative of the Immigration Department to accept or reject any application for PR. As such, most applicants are not informed of reasons for their rejected application. Similarly for citizenship, a foreign wife is entitled to apply for citizenship after 2 years of stay in Malaysia, in reality many foreign wives are still not citizens of Malaysia.

Next, on the issue of right to work for foreign spouses, reports have shown that the process of getting a job is much easier for an expatriate or even spouse of expatriate than foreign spouses of Malaysians. Some foreign wives with high qualification could not obtain PR to work. In relation to right to work for foreign husband, they are required to fulfil certain conditions. Foreign husbands who may not be professionals or technically skilled would be denied right to work and right to stay. According to paragraph 3(1) of the Immigration (Prohibition of Entry) Order 1983, non-professional foreign men married to Malaysian women face the risk of losing their work permits or visa. This may result in an overwhelming burden on the female Malaysian citizen with foreign spouse having to support her family. This may even drive Malaysia women married to foreign spouses to leave Malaysia for other countries just to continue to survive in the interest of her family.

The other disparity is that foreign husbands are allowed to stay for one year on a social visit pass to look for gainful employment from September 2001 onwards, however, such is not required of foreign wives- they can stay on social visit visa as dependents.

And lastly, the impending issue of rights of children of a foreign parent. Malaysian women who give birth to children outside Malaysia do not enjoy the same rights as their Malaysian male counterpart who could confer citizenship to their children irrespective of their place of birth. Again, in the event of separation and divorce where the Malaysian woman would like to return home with her children, they may face some challenges. If her children were not born in Malaysia, her children may not share the same privilege to free education as other children who are Malaysian would.

In sum, different standards applied to foreign wife and foreign husband in Malaysia due to disparity in laws, policies and implementation of policies and laws in relation to the right to stay, right to work and rights of children to a foreign parent undoubtedly reflects the gender role stereotype of men as breadwinners and women as dependents.

Thus, we are gathered here today to deliberate all challenges facing foreign spouses from right to stay, right to work to rights of their children. Today Wanita MCA is taking the initiative to ease the burden of foreign spouses.

Given the old adage that love is blind, if I may add- love is colour blind, thus love knows no boundaries of race, colour, nationality. If someone were to fall in love with a person from another country, our country should be able to accord the spouse of our Malaysian friends with basic rights and privileges as a human being.

I am confident that we as a collective would be able to come up with a joint memorandum with substantive recommendations given the extensive experience on the ground and knowledge from all of you on challenges facing foreign spouses. Our efforts would bring us a step closer in promoting and protecting rights of foreign spouses in Malaysia in line with our national and international pledge in promoting non-discrimination and gender equality for women.

Once again, on behalf of the organisers, I would like to thank all NGOs and component parties who are here today to support this forum. It is our fervent hope that we could also work closely in future in other issues which is of best interest to the nation as a whole but also in particular in the best interest of women.

And with that, I officiate this Forum and Workshop on Foreign spouses in Malaysia.

Thank you.

No Room-Share Campaign

SPEECH BY YB DATIN PADUKA CHEW MEI FUN, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, National Chairman of Wanita MCA and Advisor of MWTGA @ “NO ROOM-SHARE” CAMPAIGN

on 1 JUNE 2009

photo by CFL

As the Advisor of MWTGA since their AGM last March, I would like to commend MWTGA under the leadership of its Chairwoman Erina Loo for their active and relentless efforts in advocating for a safe and healthy working environment since day 1 of their set up back in February 2007.

They persevere through challenging times and continue in their struggle to protect and promote the rights of women tourist guides.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
Wanita MCA has been walking with MWTGA on the road to gender equality and non-discrimination for women tour guides since late last year when they approached us.

MWTGA’s enduring efforts in advocating for the rights of women tourist guides has reaped some rewards to date- from being recognised as an autonomous organisation where its members could renew their licenses independent of affiliation with the Malaysia Tour Guide Council (MTGC) to stern warning by the present Minister of Tourism Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen where licenses of errant tour operators who condone practice of room sharing will be revoked as of today 1st June 2009.

MWTGA’s awareness raising campaign on “No Room Share” today is timely as it coincides with implementation of the policy announced by Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen that licenses of errant tour operators would be revoked with effect from today onwards. This campaign of “No Room Share” in effect brings us a step closer towards upholding every woman’s right to a safe working environment in line with our national and international pledge in promoting non-discrimination and gender equality for women.

Thus, we would like to extend our thanks to the Ministry of Tourism under the leadership of Dato’ Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen for their commitment in ending unethical and discriminatory practice of room-sharing amongst tour guides, tour drivers and tour leaders. This policy is reflective of the government’s sincere effort in creating a safe working environment for all tour guides, tour bus drivers and tour leaders irrespective of their gender.

photo by CFL

Ladies and Gentlemen:
We strongly believe that the government policy of “no room sharing” will not only safeguard rights of women tourist guides to safe working environment and personal safety. Such policy may also in effect translates that women tourist guides may no longer have to pay for an extra room at their own expense in exchange of personal security. This means that women tourist guides may not have to face salary or pay disparity in comparison to their male counterparts where they do not have to think about parting with their wages to rent another room.

We urge tour operators to adhere to this policy of “no room sharing” and other key stakeholders to support this campaign. Let us work together as a collective towards creating an enabling environment for women tourist guides and all tourist guides.

Thank you.

Strict Enforcement, Room-conversion to Ensure Safe and Enabling Work Environment for Women Tourist Guides

Press Statement by Wanita MCA

Strict Enforcement (Protective & Efficient Management to Prevent Gender Discrimination), Room-conversion to Ensure Safe and Enabling Work Environment for Women Tourist Guides

Wanita MCA lauds the recent strong message and stern warning by the Minister of Tourism Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen on 14 April 2009 (The Sun Daily; The Star On-line) that errant tour operators or tour agents who compel their female tour guides to share rooms with their male counterparts will have their licenses revoked with effect from 1 June 2009.

Zero-tolerance on room-sharing was reiterated following the meeting chaired by YB Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen on 16 April 2009 with the similar announcement made by her on 14 April 2009, the second (2nd) day she reported her duty as the Minister of Tourism.

YB Dato’ Dr Seri Ng Yen Yen’s expressed non-tolerance on any forms of discrimination against women tourist guides consistent with principle of non-discrimination and gender equality as enshrined under Article 8(2) Federal Constitution is also highly commendable. YB Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen’s emphasis that the Ministry would not hesitate to revoke licenses if women were penalized and not employed arising from this policy of no room-sharing between genders illustrates her resolute commitment in ensuring a harmonious work environment for all in the tourism industry.

Stern warning and in particular invoking of the power of Minister which is not often used by a Minister may in effect be the light at the end of the tunnel for women tour guides who have been facing the problem of room sharing all these years. Since the Malaysian Women Tourist Guide Association (MWTGA) approached Wanita MCA November last year, we have been actively assisting MWTGA through various ways such as garnering support from the previous and present Minister of Tourism, facilitating meetings with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and key industry players, drafting of a memorandum highlighting the plight of women tourist guides including documenting of case studies of women tourist guides who were subjected to the risk of harassment and violence.

We welcome the commitment of Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) and Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) in promoting, regulating and getting the support of their fellow members in response to 1) our proposal on room-conversion and 2) a letter which will be issued by the ministry under the instruction of YB Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen to consider i) converting a reasonable number of hotel rooms into hostel-like accommodation for hotels planning on renovation or refurbishment and ii) building hostels for employees in the tour-guiding industry in an effort to ensure separate room accommodation according to gender for tour guides and drivers. This good practice of hostel-like accommodation for separate genders is currently an industry norm in other countries such as Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan.

Wanita MCA would like to remind that creating a safe work environment for all including women tourist guides is imperative. Good practices such as conversion of rooms into hostel/dormitory style as practised in other countries would elevate the image of Malaysia’s tourism industry. We would like to once again congratulate the Minister for her prompt action and this only proves that with more women in decision making, gender equality will become a reality!

Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
National Chairperson of Wanita MCA

美芬：为女性提供安全工作环境，刻不容缓

马华全国妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬支持旅游部长拿督斯里黄燕燕对旅游业者发出严厉警告，一旦该部发现业者仍安排女导游和男职员同房，将不惜吊销有关旅行社的营业执照。

这是继黄燕燕走马上任旅游部长的第二天，宣布旅行社不得安排男女导游同房，并于4月16日会见了旅游业者后，再次重申旅游部绝不容许男女导游同房事件重演。

周美芬对旅游部拒绝任何歧视女导游事件表示高度赞赏，这符合联邦宪法第8（2）条文下阐明禁止任何形式的性别歧视。

日前黄燕燕强调，她决心为旅游业打造一个和谐的工作环境，宣布从6月1日起女导游在出差时严禁与男职员同房的新条例，一旦发现旅游业者因此借机惩罚或解雇女职员，旅游部将毫不犹豫地吊销业者执照。

周美芬透露，一般上部长鲜少如此行使部长特有权利和发出严厉警告，唯这却是解决女导游多年来面对被逼和男同事同房困扰的有效途径。

她说，去年11月，马来西亚女导游协会（MWTGA）透过马华妇女组揭发此事，在妇女组通过多项管道的积极协助下，女导游协会取得前任及现任旅游部长的支持，并获得安排和旅游部秘书长及旅游业者进行会面。妇女组也协助草拟有关女导游面对困境的备忘录，并列出女导游遭到骚扰及暴力对待的个案。

如今，马华妇女组对大马酒店协会以及大马旅游同业协会给予的支持感到欣慰。在这项努力下，上述两大协会承诺协助推广和落实马华妇女组和马来西亚女导游协会建议酒店业者通过把现有数间客房改为可住数人的导游宿舍或在兴建酒店时同时建造足够的导游住宿房的建议，从而有效的解决女导游与男司机共处一室的问题。目前，许多国家如越南、中国、日本、泰国等也已实施在酒店内增设男女导游住宿房的措施。

周美芬强调，为所有女导游塑造一个安全的工作环境是刻不容缓的工作，而且，增设男女导游住宿房将有助于提升大马旅游业在国际舞台的形象。最后，她再次为部长迅速采取行动的效率表示激赏，并相信若有更多女性能参与决策的话，男女平等将指日可待！

周美芬：享權益符合需求男女平等並不難

中国报 9/3/2009

國際婦女組節之巾幗之約

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“自3月8日訂為婦女節后，女性就被形容為三八，我覺得三八的貶意多過表揚之意，且今天的女性與以前不同，因女性要照顧好家庭、事業及參政，已沒空串門子。”

馬華霹靂州婦女組主席王賽芝上議員說，大馬已為貫徹兩性平等及消除性別歧視而做了承諾，即在聯邦憲法第8（2）條文的修改，禁止任何人基于性別的任何形式的歧視，就是一項在本地貫徹兩性平等的清楚聲明。

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

女導遊受要脅簽願與男同事同房文件

中国报 07 March 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Female guides: We have to share room with guys

The Star News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Women's Day Message

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

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

There appears to be an alarming trend of economic crisis and rising domestic violence (DV). This is not only visible in other countries such as America where women are 3 times more likely to be abused with male partners who experienced 2 or more periods of unemployment over period of 5 years (2004 study by National Institute of Justice, Jewish Chronicle, 29 Oct 2008) and Australia with a 7 percent increase in the issuance of Apprehended Violence Orders in 2008 from 2005 (The Herald, 29 Jan 2009) but also apparent in Malaysia post 1997 financial crisis when there was a recorded sharp increase in reported DV cases to the police with close to 6,000 cases in 1997 from over 2000 in 1996 and an average of 500 in the 1980s (Ministry of Health Report: Family Violence 1999; Statistics on Women, Family and Social Welfare 2004 and 2006).

The economic crisis in 1983-85 showed that women were more vulnerable given their predominant participation in the ‘feminised’ industries such as electronics and textiles (which constitute half of the retrenched) and administrative services where the largest job cuts were situated (ILO 1998). Similarly in recent times, women workers still primarily bear the brunt of layoffs given that the ‘feminised’ industries such as the electronics (ThaiIndian.com, 23 Dec 2008) and manufacturing (The Star On-line, 4 Jan 2009) are usually first to be hit in the face of economic turmoil. Thus, in difficult times, women are highly subjected to the risk of various forms of violence: physical, emotional, financial, sexual and social abuse.

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

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

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

Chew Mei Fun

National Chairman of Wanita MCA

8th Mac 2009