Pandikar's suggestion of fielding more women candidates should open political leaders' eyes

TAWAU: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia's suggestion that political parties in the country field more women candidates in the 14th general election (GE14) should open the eyes of the party leaders, including from the opposition.
Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun who said this, hoped that the Umno top leadership would consider the suggestion and give more women candidates the opportunity to be effective elected representatives.
"Each day (during the parliamentary sittings), the Speaker sees how the women (MPs) pose questions and debate on matters, proving that the women do their work, and this suggestion (by Pandikar Amin) is historic and recognises women candidates."
She said this to reporters after officiating the Tawau women "selawat" group gathering, here, today.
Azizah who is also Wanita Umno vice-chief, said the Dewan Rakyat Speaker's recognition for women was timely as there were many potential women candidates across the country that were promising and highly educated, and could represent the party and Barisan Nasional.
"We have many women who can do good work and the important thing is the candidates should be winnable.
"I hope the recognition by the Speaker is translated into opportunity for those with the capability to be candidates in the general election," she said.
Azizah also said that the proposed 30% women candidates for the coming general election remained, and it was time for the party leadership to prove that women were the backbone of the party by giving them this opportunity. — Bernama