Showing posts with label Press Statement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Press Statement. Show all posts

Thursday, April 8, 2010

周美芬辞职文告

当2009年11月16日我在国会接受媒体访问时说出:“蔡细历当总会长我辞职!”的言论时,很多人都以为那是我一时口快和在一气之下所发表的言论,事实上那是双十特大后,我思考很久后所得出的结论,是我对捍卫我党民主体制、良好形象与妇女权益的坚持:

因为,我们不能也不应容许党内出现与妇女组长期以来捍卫两性平等及尊重女权原则不符的事情发生;

因为,一个政党尊重民主精神、贯彻民主体制和所展现与落实的健康文化是赢得人民尊重与信服的最基本条件,是党赖以生存的关键。

当一个以捍卫两性平等、尊重女权为己任的马华妇女组的全国主席对党内出现了严重打击我们信念与使命的问题却视若无睹的时候,也是女性对我们失望的时候;

当党内出现身为全民追随,甚至是儿童学习对象的国家级领袖无法树立良好典范而我们却默默接受的时候,那将传达一个让外界以为我们接受败坏文化和不尊重民主体制的讯息,也是我党遭受人民唾弃的开始。

身为马华妇女组全国主席,我无法在面对党内出现有违马华妇女组成立宗旨与价值观,同时在我党的健康价值文化受到打击的情况下沉默不语,我如果不采取行动表达对健康文化与价值的捍卫,我将愧对党与坚持原则的姐妹们对我的期望,我将让妇女组从此难以面对群众的质询和批判。因此,我责无旁贷,我愿意放下我个人的政治权位与官职以向社会、向人民传达我党,尤其是我马华妇女组对家庭伦理、健康价值、诚信的捍卫与对维护女性权益的不妥协精神。

有鉴于此,我谨此正式宣布即日起辞去马华妇女组全国主席、马华雪兰莪州妇女组主席和马华志工团团长三项党职。

基于我之所以受委任为上议员与副部长职位乃是因为我身为马华全国妇女组主席的身份,因此,随着辞去上述党职后,我待会儿将把我请辞马来西亚国会上议院议员和妇女、家庭及社会发展部副部长的信函传真到上议院主席和首相办公室。正式公函将在明天送达。我从明天开始将请假至2010年4月28日,辞职正式生效日期为2010年4月29日或内阁改组日,视何者为先。

我感谢尊贵的首相拿督斯里纳吉、马华各位前任与现任领导同志、妇女姐妹们、部长拿督斯里莎丽扎、华团与各非政府组织成员过去对我的信任与支持,我希望大家尊重我的决定,希望和我有同样信念与理想的同志们冷静接受这个为了捍卫正确价值不得不作出的决定,我没有退党,因为我认同我党的建党使命与目标,辞去重要党职和官职之后的我仍然会在不违背原则与我能力范围内协助党的工作。

虽然民主票选制度有时并不能真实反映大多数人的意愿,但还是必须获得尊重与捍卫,因此我恳求其他所有通过民主程序由党员票选出的马华妇女组中央领导和雪州妇女组领导同志们坚守岗位,在我卸下了主席职位后立即根据党章填补空缺,尽速以稳定与团结的步伐,以坚持大原则和我们的成立宗旨与目标的大无畏精神,继续为国家人民与姐妹们作出贡献。

周美芬 启
2010年4月8日

Resignation Statement of Chew Mei Fun

On 16 Nov 2009, when I was interviewed by the media in Parliament, I gave a statement saying that “I would resign if Chua Soi Lek becomes the President”. Many people assumed that I had not given much thought to it and uttered it just out of anger. In fact, since the Oct 10 EGM, I have given a lot of thought on this matter before I made such a statement. The statement was driven by my strong conviction in preserving party democracy, safeguarding the image and reputation of the party and to defend the rights and interests of women:

Because we cannot, should not allow the principle of gender equality and respect for women’s rights, which the party and its women’s wing have long been advocating, to be compromised in any way.

Because for a political party, respecting and upholding the spirit of democracy, putting into practice democratic structures and systems, promoting and realising a healthy political culture are the most fundamental requirement to gain people’s respect and support, and it is the people’s respect and support which is the most crucial factor in ensuring a party’s survival.

As Wanita MCA National Chairman, it is my duty and responsibility to uphold gender equality and respect for women’s rights. As the current status of the party adversely affects these core beliefs and mission, and if we were to turn a blind eye, the public in particular women will be greatly disappointed with us; If we accept, without question, leaders who are not good role models, it will send a negative message to the people, especially to children who look up to leaders as role models in that our party accepts and condones such corruption notwithstanding our wholesome and respectable culture. This is a direct affronts to the system of democracy. This will cause the party to be rejected by the people.

As Wanita MCA National Chairman, I am unable to bring myself to accept what has crystallized in the party, as it contradicts the principles and values of Wanita MCA. At the same time, if I were to keep silent under such circumstance when the party’s culture and values have been eroded, and do not take any action towards safeguarding these core values, I would feel much shame, given the high hopes my Wanita MCA sisters who firmly uphold these principles, placed upon me. It would also leave Wanita MCA in an undesirable state where it could be questioned and criticized. As such, I am duty-bound, and willing to relinquish my political power and official government positions. I would like to convey to the people, that our party, especially Wanita MCA, in regards to family ethics, healthy culture, values, integrity and credibility will always have the uncompromising spirit in safeguarding women’s rights and interests.

In view of this, I officially announce that I will resign from the following 3 positions: as the Wanita MCA National Chairman, Wanita MCA Selangor Chairman and Chief of Crisis Relief Squad of MCA.

Given my position as Wanita MCA National Chairman, I was appointed a senator as well as a Deputy Minister. As such, upon resignation from the above-mentioned party positions, I will also submit my resignation as a Senator and the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development to the President of the Upper House and the Prime Minister’s office, respectively. The official resignation letters will be submitted tomorrow. From tomorrow onwards, I will be on leave until 28 April 2010 and so my resignation will take effect on 29 April 2010, or subject to a Cabinet re-shuffle, whichever date is earlier.

I thank the honourable Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Najib, former and current MCA leaders, my sisters in Wanita MCA, Minister YB Dato’ Seri Shahrizat, the Chinese associations, NGOs and MCA members who have trusted and supported me in the past. I hope all of you will respect my decision, and I hope that those who share my beliefs and ideals will be able to calmly accept this decision which I have no choice but to make in order to safeguard those core values which we uphold. I am not quitting the party because I still believe in the party’s founding missions and goals. Therefore, after my resignation from the above party official positions, I will continue to serve the party without compromising my principles and within my capacity.

Although the democratic voting system may not reflect the will of the majority, the decision must still be respected and upheld. As such, I appeal to the democratically elected Wanita MCA National leaders and Wanita Selangor leaders to stay in your positions. Upon my resignation, the vacancies shall be filled as soon as possible in accordance with the party constitution. The process of filling these vacancies shall be consistent with Wanita MCA’s overaching principles, established goals, and our indomitable spirit to serve our country and our people.

Chew Mei Fun
8 April 2010

Monday, April 5, 2010

周美芬新闻稿


各位媒体的朋友,

我知道大家今天都很想到机场来第一时间追问我的决定,我对于临时更改行程提早回国而没有和大家遇上感觉抱歉,无论如何让我以文告稍作交代。

最近很多人通过短讯和电邮及电话挽留我,也有有心人设立面子簿要求我立即辞职,其实我在3月28日党选成绩出炉当天所立即发表的言论已非常的明显,即“我的立场没有改变”,如果有人还听不懂,那不是我的问题,我不认为我需要根据其他人的时间表作出宣布。

身为负责任的人,我这几天不在国内是为了完成国会在党选之前就已交托给我的公务,身为马华妇女组的全国主席,我的肩上承载了许多人对我的支持与期望,这些人和我有深厚的感情,和我有同样的奋斗目标,因此在我宣布之前总得给大家一个机会表达看法,我不会逃避,我今天回国后就要私下和许多要求见我的人见面,在让大家抒发了各自的看法后,我必须向他们解释和交代我自己已经作出的决定,否则我将愧对大家。

我坚持必须先向马华妇女组中委会汇报后才对外详细宣布我的决定,是基于对马华妇女组中委会的尊重,我的辞职与否虽然不是什么重大的事情,但也需有条理的作出妥善的安排。请大家稍安毋躁。8/4/10我召开中委会后就会正式仔细的公布我的决定了。届时,我希望在我作出这个符合自己原意的宣布后,所泛起的涟漪是最小的,同时也不会造成党的困扰。

周美芬
2/4/2010

PRESS STATEMENT by CHEW MEI FUN

Friends from the media,

I understand that you would very much like to come to the airport to find out about my decision first thing upon my return. My apologies for changing my flight schedule for an earlier arrival and thus those who would like to meet me would have missed me. I regret to have caused any inconvenience to you and this press statement serves as an explanation.

Of late, many have persuaded me to stay through smses, emails and phone calls. However, there are also those who have created a facebook group demanding my immediate resignation. In fact, what I have expressed immediately when election the results were announced on 28 Mar 2010 was very clear, which is “My stand has not changed”. I have expressed my stand clearly and I shall not be held liable if there is anyone who still could not comprehend what I have said. In respect to when and where I should make known my decision publicly, I feel that I need not respond in accordance to anyone’s schedule.

As a responsible person, I have been away in the past few days on official duties entrusted by the Parliament which was scheduled prior to the re-election. As a Wanita National Chairman, I am shouldering a lot of support and hopes. They have a close relationship with me and we share common goals. As such, I feel the need to give them a space to express their opinions before I make any public announcement. I will not evade. I will meet up privately with a lot of people who have requested to see me when I return on 2 April 2010. Once they have expressed their opinions, I will have to explain to them the decision which I have already made and my stand, otherwise, I would be most regretful.

As a sign of respect to the Wanita Central Committee members, I insist that I would brief the Wanita CC first before I make any public announcement. The question of whether I resign or not, although may not be such a big deal, however I need to ensure appropriate and orderly arrangements. I urge all of you to be patient, come April 8 after the Wanita CC meeting, I will announce the decision which I have made in detail. I hope when I finally make the announcement in accordance to my initial intention, it will cause minimal ripples and at the same time will not bring about any quandary to the party.

Chew Mei Fun
2 April, 2010

Sunday, March 7, 2010

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

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

STATEMENT BY WANITA MCA EXCO on 9th Feb 2010

Wanita MCA EXCO convened our regular meeting and express our position on the following 2 issues:

Issue 1: Holistic Approach in enforcing payment under Maintenance Order

We laud the government’s efforts in recognising hardship faced by Muslim single mothers whose husband default in payment under maintenance order with the recently approved allocation of RM15million to aid Muslim going through divorce to support their children as announced by Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom on 11 January 2010 and subsequently by Syariah Judicial Department Family Support Division Deputy Director Dr Mohd Naim Mokhtar Dr Mohd Naim that the aid would be in the form of cash advances and for a duration of 6 months (The Star 21 Jan 2010).

Noting that we live in a country rich with ethnic, cultural and religious diversities and in line with the spirit of 1 Malaysia, we stress that it is of critical importance to recognise that women irrespective of ethnicity or religion face similar hardships in the course of marital breakdown and particularly when their husband fails to fulfil his obligations under the maintenance order.

We urge the government to give recognition to non-Muslims who experience similar hardships in the civil courts just like their Muslim sisters in the Syariah courts when their husband defies the maintenance order. It is important to note that, even where a non-muslim single mother spends time and money to enforce the maintenance order in accordance to existing civil court procedures, there is likelihood where her husband defaults in payment of the maintenance order. As a short term measure, we hope that similar measure would be extended to aid non-Muslim single mothers who endure the same predicament as their Muslim sisters.

Of late, we have received some feedback from the communities in response to the announcement of such an available aid to Muslim single mothers. Wanita MCA Political Strategy Bureau has met up with several women NGOs to discuss this issue. Drawing from the discussion, we have the same view as Women’s Aid Organisation, Sisters in Islam and Wilayah and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Women’s Wing and a practising family lawyer on the need to set up a taskforce to look into instituting a child and/or family support system to assist and support single parents especially children as a long term measure. We have since conveyed to the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato’ Seri Shahrizat Jalil this idea of setting up a technical working group to look into a holistic approach in enforcing payment under maintenance order and pleased to inform that the Minister is positive with our proposal.

Issue 2: Extend TEKUN loan to Chinese and other ethnic groups

We laud the extension of TEKUN loan to Indian communities with the initial allocation of RM3million in 2008. Increased allocation to RM 15 million in 2009 and RM 20 million for 2010 reflects government’s acknowledgement of the need to extend TEKUN loans to Indian communities.

In the spirit of 1 Malaysia, we urge the government to open up or set aside similar funds like the TEKUN loan to all Malaysians and especially to women. This would be in tandem with the government’s concerted efforts in raising living standards of low-income households under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) Roadmap and in line with the spirit of 1 Malaysia.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Wanita MCA calls on stern action against Nasir

Mere Apology and Resignation Not a Solution
Press Release from Wanita MCA

Kuala Lumpur 3 February- Wanita MCA National Chairman Chew Mei Fun today on behalf of Wanita MCA sisters strongly condemn the statement made by the special officer to Prime Minister, Datuk Nasir Safar that Malaysian Chinese and Indians are foreigners (“pendatang”) and that Chinese, especially women came to Malaysia to enslave ourselves and for prostitution. Such expression not only has a racist undertone but also sexist in nature.

Chew Mei Fun expressed that Wanita MCA is truly grateful of the Prime Minister’s prompt response that Nasir Safar resigns. However, Nasir Safar’s speech has already hurt the feelings of other ethnic communities.

This remark reflects non-recognition of the contributions by the Chinese and Indian alongside other ethnic communities in nation-building through thick and thin over the years. Such remark has caused unprecedented humiliation to our Chinese sisters. As such, this is an issue beyond reprieve and cannot be resolved by a mere resignation.

She added that it is unbecoming that an aide who has no formal authority has the audacity to request that citizenship of Indians who opposed the policy of maximum 10 subjects for SPM be revoked. Not only is it arrogant, it has severely undermined our Prime Minister’s concerted efforts to promote and realise the “1 Malaysia” concept. Indeed, it is a serious blow to the Prime Minister’s credibility.

Therefore, an apology and resignation will not do justice. We call upon the government to take appropriate legal measures against him, which even includes invoking provisions of incitement laws to prosecute him. This would safeguard the Prime Minister and government’s credibility in fulfilling its pledge to realise the spirit of “1 Malaysia” with resolute determination.

Wanita MCA thinks that it is unconceivable for such a statement to be publicly made by Nasir Safar at a seminar “Rapat 1 Malaysia” organized by the Special Affairs Department which aims at promoting national unity. Not only has he directly contradicted the government’s concerted efforts in promoting the spirit of “1 Malaysia”, possibly he may have also incited hatred and racial sentiments.

Drawing from the recent exposé of racial slurs by some lecturers in conducting Biro Tatanegara courses, we feel that the government should be careful and mindful in the selection of speakers for any events to avoid “ruining” what we have been building thus far. Not only will the people receive wrong messages, they may also develop an indelible negative imprint of the government.

非道歉辞职可解决 - 马华妇女组呼吁更严厉对付纳西尔

马华妇女组文告

(吉隆坡3日讯)马华妇女组全国主席周美芬今日代表马华全国妇女组姐妹严厉谴责首相纳吉的特别助理纳西尔沙发发表我国华印裔是“外来者”(pendatang),华人尤其是华裔妇女到来马来西亚是为了卖身的种族及性别歧视性言论。

周美芬说,马华妇女组对于首相采取立即行动促使纳西尔沙发辞职的举动表示欣慰,然而由于他的言论已严重伤害了其他种族的感受,不但否决了华印裔这么多年来和本国其他种族人民风雨同路共同建国的贡献,也深深的让华裔妇女姐妹遭受到前所未有的屈辱,这不是辞职就可以宽恕的问题。

她说,一位完全没有实权的助理竟然胆敢发表要撤销抨击大马教育文凭(SPM)限考10科政策和讨论淡米尔文的人的公民权言论,不但傲慢跋扈得无以复加,同时也对首相倾注全力以宣扬和落实的“一个大马”理念造成了极度的伤害,是对首相威信的一种严重打击,因此绝对不能以辞职道歉了事,我们呼吁政府采取适当的法律条文检控他,甚至包括以煽动法令对付他!以捍卫首相纳吉政府的威信和宣示政府落实“一个大马”的坚定决心!

马华妇女组认为纳西尔沙发竟然在由大马特别事务局所主办的“一个大马”研讨会上口出如此狂言是不可思议的,因为他不但彻底违背了政府推广“一个大马”理念的原意,还可能激发种族仇恨情绪,与之前揭发的国家干训局部分讲师在课程中发表种族性言论事情对照探讨,我们认为政府在举办任何涉及政府理念与政策的讲座会和研讨会时,对于讲师的筛选必须极度小心,以避免类似“倒米”的事件一再发生,不但让人民接收到错误的讯息,也让人民对政府留下了不可磨灭的坏印象!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Wanita MCA today urges the government to be mindful when implementing the new 10+2 subjects for SPM students together with the decision to review the National Civics Bureau (BTN) courses.

Press Statement by Wanita MCA National Chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun on the government’s decision to introduce the 10+2 subjects for SPM and reviewing BTN courses
8th Dec 2009

10+2 SPM subjects
On the implementation of the new 10 + 2 subjects policy for SPM, Wanita MCA holds the view that it is a good move towards adjustment and rectification which deserves to be complimented. However, pertaining to the rules and regulations of its implementation, it seems that the government has not been dynamic enough to appease the people.

The 10 + 2 policy is however imperfect nor complete as it seems to have some discrimination against the teaching of other languages.

The Cabinet’s decision to increase the maximum subjects that is allowed to be taken from 10 to 12 by SPM students, but limiting consideration for scholarship application to 10 subjects last week seems to be rather perplexing, as the additional two language subjects are not taken into consideration when they apply for scholarship.

Hence, Wanita MCA hopes that steps could be taken to review the policy so that the best of any of the 10 subjects could be taken into consideration when students apply for government scholarships.

By doing so, the government will not only be considerate in realizing the objective of 1Malaysia, this move will also help to satisfy the needs and aspiration of the people. Hence, why not try to do it?

National Civics Bureau courses better known as BTN
Besides that, on allegations that the BTN courses contain racist content, Wanita MCA feels that since the government intends to add the spirit of 1Malaysia into the syllabus, it is obvious that the government is aware of the multi-racial composition of our society. Thus, any affirmation of racist elements should totally be wiped out from the content.

The courses need to be amended if we are to add elements of 1Malaysia into it. What we must be aware of is that when changes are to made to the content, they must be clear and precise to all. The BTN contents must not be ambiguous so as to ensure that the concept of 1Malaysia as intended by our Prime Minister is upheld.”

On top of that, the government must also take cognizance of the quality and the teaching methods of lecturers so that what they teach will not run astray from its original course as scheduled.

Last but not least, Wanita MCA also praises Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for sharing his impartial views on the content that appeared in the BTN courses.

馬華婦女組:“SPM10+2”政策有歧视其他种族母语教育之嫌;干训局课程应撤种族元素

文告:

(吉隆坡8日讯)马华妇女组呼吁政府在落实新的大马教育文凭(SPM)10+2政策及修改干训局课程时,必须秉持“做对的事,并把事做好”的原则。

针对新出炉的SPM10+2政策,马华妇女组认为这显示了教育部在顺应民意的基础上做出适当的调整和改进,值得赞扬。不过,在政策执行的细节上,政府并没作出妥善的处理,其主要的内容及决策仍让人民感到不安。

“10+2政策有欠周详,不够全面和完善,为人民所诟病,令人感到有歧视其它种族母语教育之嫌”。

“内阁在上周通过提高SPM考生报考科目的上限,从原本的10科增加至12科,但却只有10科主要课目会被列入奖学金的申请范围”。

因此,马华妇女组呼吁教育部重新检讨这个政策,让考生可以在报考10+2科系的同时,也可以任选10科成绩最好的科目,作为申请学位和奖学金的准绳。

“如此不但可以体现一个马来西亚的精神,同时也在没有影响到政策原意的情况下,满足人民和学子的意愿,何乐而不为?”

干训局课程須體現“一個大馬”
另外,针对干训局课程出现含有种族课程的事件,马华妇女组表示,既然政府已决定要在课程中加入一个马来西亚的精神与内容,意味着政府已认同有关课程必须准确传达马来西亚多元种族文化精神,那些含有种族议题的元素就必须被排除在课程外。

“若欲加入一个马来西亚的元素,有关课程必须做出适当修改。不过,必须注意的的是,修改课程的程度是否足以反映一个马来西亚的精神, 与其扭扭捏捏,倒不如把一切种族性的内容给撤掉改掉,以确保课程有效体现首相所倡导的一个马来西亚的精神。”

Monday, November 2, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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



文告 - 马华妇女组全国主席,拿汀巴杜卡周美芬

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

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

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

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

Thursday, October 29, 2009

马华中央委员联合文告:

A)缘起:

马华公会60年基业堪称筚路蓝缕。2008年308大选本党遭受重挫,之后本党领导层因党选而更替,原须贯彻党意执行本党转型与改革,以强化党基兼收复民心。历经一年有余之发展之后,本党正朝向振兴之路迈进,岂料一场双十特大引发诸多事端,以致本党陷入令人担心的低潮,本党之外在观感与之所造成的民惑,也是令人担心不已。

本党历经双十特大后的种种迹象显示,中央代表於双十特大所传达之意愿、至今仍然无法有效传达与贯彻,一些中委为了求上位更行莫须有之猜忌与攻击之诬蔑能事,令人痛心不已。

是以,我们身为中委会之成员,秉持良心良能,作此联合文告,以正视听,并呼吁本党上下与关心马华党务者,齐心齐德,务必认真看待事实真相,免受困扰。

B)当今马华面对的问题:

(一)双十特大之“决而不行”引猜疑

i. 马华中央代表已通过2009年10月10日的马华特别代表大会清楚的表达了对三项议案的看法与决定,亦即对总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰的领导投以不信任和否决了拿督斯里蔡细历医生恢复署理总会长党职的大会提案。

ii. 身为本党中委会委员,必须履行党及党章所付托之职责,履行中央代表的票决意愿,从而贯彻本党之民主精神。

iii. 考量了特大后的最新情势发展,我们认为履行民主精神、实践政治道德并尊重及贯彻中央代表之意愿是让本党能够以最快之速度回复平静与稳定之最佳解决方案,并以最有效的方法为华社和国家服务。

iv. 然而,在2009年10月15日召开的马华中委会上,总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰并没有针对双十特大第一提案的结果,向中委会明确陈述其本身之意念与意愿,乃造成双十特大之议决,成为“决而不行”之局面,亦令本党基层同志,无所适从。

(二)二次特大之启动引起混淆

i. 2009年10月15日之马华中委会会议上,总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰决定援引党章30.1条款所赋予总会长之权力,召开二次特大。

ii. 尽管在2009年10月15日的中委会上,部份中委针对总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰援引党章欲召开二次特大的案由及提案进行反面评议,相关提案亦违反党章,但是他仍然执意援引党章召开二次特大,从而解决双十特大议决结果所引致的纷扰。

iii. 总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰也在该次会议上指示以马华总秘书拿督王弗明及法律局主任拿督梁邓忠针对二次特大之提案进行评估与修订,以避免违反党章,并指示配合年度代表大会的日期召开二次特大。之后,法律局主任拿督梁邓忠於2009年10月17日被总会长去职。

iv. 尽管总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰於2009年10月22日指示总秘书拿督王弗明重新检讨召开二次特大的必要性,但是二次特大的事情已在基层、华社及关心马华党务者之间造成困扰。

(三)尸骨未寒逼宫论调不是实情

部分马华中委在双十特大后发表所谓“尸骨未寒”“尚未断气”“进行逼宫”的言论,令人感到遗憾。

尤有甚者,一些党内人士,甚至通过集团电话短讯、互联网、部落格、相关电子及平面媒体,传播人身攻击的言论。坊间甚至传出怪罪中央代表是受到有心人士的指示而投出不合当权人士所预料会赢的结果,这已经使受伤的基层面对继续分裂的后果。

我们了解到“个人毁誉事小,社会期望事大”,对于外在的恶毒指责,我们原本选择保持沉默。

但是由于这种误导性的言论全面且集中於影射中央领导都是求上位的不仁不义之徒,这将继续荼毒基层的心灵乃至丧失对党的坚定信念。为了以正视听,也要对马华党员作负责任的交待从而厘清所谓“逼宫”的真相,我们决定公布以下事实。

事实1:2009年10月10日1610PM, 在特大成绩出炉之后的记者会上,总会长说,“我坦然接受特大的议决。”

事实2:2009年10月10日1645PM,在马华9楼总会长办公室,总会长先召见廖中莱,随后再传召黄燕燕、周美芬及魏家祥,并向4人表达他要离职的意愿。

事实3:2009年10月10日1730PM,总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰在马华9楼会议厅,召见了大约20名在场的马华中委进行讨论。针对特大的结果,他向与会者表达了几个关键性的指引:

i. 由于双十特大的第一提案获得中央代表赞成通过,形成中央代表向他传达了“不信任”的信息。总会长认为,他在“形势上”很难再代表马华公会在国阵成员党之前,进行政策与政党事务的谈判。

ii. 虽然总会长的政治秘书在会议上发言,引述党章说明由于有关提案与罢免无关,同时也没有达到3分之2的多数票,因此总会长没必要辞职,但是总会长认为,就问责而言,他将实践诺言,辞去马华总会长的职位,并即席指示周美芬和何国忠代为起草辞职信,并且申明,作为代表华人政党的总会长,他的辞职信,必须以中文书写。

iii. 他和在场的中委讨论后,有关辞职信内容大意是:总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰同志的辞职,将会在权力顺利移交后以“负责任”情形下进行。

iv. 辞职信也将以符合党章的程序,递交於马华总秘书王弗明,以带到10月15日马华的中委会上进行讨论与评议。

v. 总会长重申,在道义(moral obligation)与责任上他必须辞去总会长职位。在场的中委向他表达挽留之意,他说,这不是他的个性,不必挽留,更谢绝做戏。

vi. 他也认为,由于双十特大的第三提案被中央代表所否决,署理总会长职也因此而悬空;在与会者讨论之下,为确保顺利交棒,副总秘书拿督陆垠佑建议由副总会长廖中莱以中委会行议决填补署理总会长职的方案。与会者皆认为先递补署理总会长职是马华全党当务之急。

vii. 总会长向中委表达了他本人将请假4天的决定,并指示在其请假期间,由廖中莱和王弗明共同跟进与处理党务。

viii. 在总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰坚持必须请辞总会长职的情况下,与会者认为总会长辞职必须是以“负责任”、在权力正式移交后正式生效,并决定于2009年10月15日的中委会上,针对双十特大的三个议案结果,进行讨论。

ix. 为尊重起见,由中委代拟的总会长中文辞职信过后交回给总会长本人,由他做字眼的最后定夺。

我们作为总会长翁诗杰同志的忠心伙伴并不是一夜之间的利益或官职的结合,这些伙伴中,没有官职者大有人在,也一直以来为打造总会长的团队默默的耕耘和付出。我们也对10月10日特大过后总会长的坚定立场佩服不已。总会长是一党之尊,他当时的坚持求去是要对党内外树立马华总会长应有的威信和原则。

在接下来充满伤感和局势动荡的4天里,我们除了必须进行双十特大的善后工作,更必须兢兢业业的跟进特大后的政治局势。我们认为,马华不能够因此而倒下。我们于是征询各方意见,包括党元老、现任领导层及关心马华的华社领袖,这些都是出自于对党负责任的态度和努力。我们认为只有稳住微弱的马华,才能够让马华重新出发。

期间我们多次联络总会长希望他能提早回国与我们商谈党的未来发展与方向,好不容易在10月13日晚上收到讯息说他将于10月14日傍晚6时30分与廖中莱,江作汉,王弗明,魏家祥和周美芬于凯煌(Concorde Hotel)酒店餐厅会面,这本来是一个掏心交流,共商前路的好机会,然而,可惜的是,5人相继于10月14日下午收到由总会长政治秘书传来会面地点与时间已更改的短讯。

和廖中莱,魏家祥和周美芬的个别会面期间,总会长并没有具体说明他的看法和意愿,反而怀疑他们10月10日以后的行动,他们三人依旧诚恳的表达对党前途的看法,并根据最新发展进行分析,但是对总会长为何改变其10月10日晚见众中委时的决定,总会长并没有具体说明。

随后,总会长相继分批接见了几批中委,期间虽然有中委低声下气的向他询问,他的真正意愿以便中委们可以和他一起配合,但是终究没有获得回应。

总会长由始至终没有勇气说出他已经改变初衷,而要留下来。

由于中委们在会见了总会长后依旧无法清楚掌握总会长欲传达的讯息,乃集合于日航酒店会商,并在一轮的会商后决定集体委托拿督斯里廖中莱代表众中委和总会长进行深入商讨,以寻求党的未来方向。

尽管事后的演变并没有朝向总会长原先坚持求去的方向,但是把一众留守党内的忠贞中委成员归类为叛贼串联逼宫求上位,除了让我们错愕、让我们心在滴血,也让党情何以堪?

C)党大团结方案如何落实的问题

我们必须重申,总会长拿督斯里翁诗杰在2009年10月22日毫无预兆下与前署理总会长拿督斯里蔡细历握手言好“回到原点”的安排,中委成员并不知情。同样的,总会长在当天提出的所谓的“大团结方案”(Great Unity Plan) 并没有提呈中委会讨论,我们对所谓的大团结方案的具体内容一无所知。

我们也认为,多事之秋的马华必须以“多谋共识”的方式进行党务及政务发展,以免党领导层继续出现离心离德的现象,进而丧失民心。党务改革及人事调整固然重要,但是当此党处于艰危时刻,任何重大或过于剧烈的人事调整,极可能使党陷入人事纷争与互相猜忌的泥沼中而不能自拔,党务也因此而停滞不前。

因此,大团结方案的内容更必须是来自集体的共识并化成党的行动计划。我们认为,要落实党的大团结方案,必须具备具体的内容和精神,同时必须提呈中委会讨论及通过。我们必定支持与党员意向为基础的团结方案。

基于此,我们建议总会长恢复拿督梁邓忠同志的中央法律局主任职位。