KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 — Amendments to Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s constitution to introduce quotas for ethnicity and women among party delegates will help expand participation among those less represented, especially women and various ethnic groups, in decision making processes, said its vice-president Saraswathy Kandasami.
Describing the amendments as a brave and progressive move, she said they reflected the party’s commitment to ensure social justice and fairness in the country’s political system and would not just promote diversity but build a foundation for more inclusive voices and views.
"This move will encourage a change towards political culture that is more responsive to the needs of a multicultural society, while tearing down traditional obstacles that hinder the participation of women in politics,” Saraswathy said in a statement commenting on the party amendment increasing the number of delegates responsible for electing the six highest party positions and 20 central leadership council members.
The amendments were passed at today’s Keadilan special congress in Shah Alam, which was attended by party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Saraswathy stressed that other initiatives, like leadership development programmes and education on politics, as mentioned by Keadilan secretary-general Fuziah Salleh at the congress today, were required to ensure that the quotas were effective.
Meanwhile, Keadilan Women Chief Fadhlina Sidek welcomed today’s development, as it reflected the party’s continuous commitment to raise political participation and to ensure inclusivity across gender and ethnicities.
“Women’s participation at the party’s highest levels can be increased through the motion of local branch delegates and additional delegates. It takes into consideration the gender and ethnic minorities quotas as set by the central leadership council based on demographics in Parliamentary constituencies,” she said.
The amendments passed were also in line with the Keadilan Women’s desire to raise political activism and active participation of women in social community activities, she added.
“Efforts to empower women in all aspects, including leadership, need to be continued,” Fadhlina said, adding that women voters are expected to play an important role in determining the direction of the country during the 16th general election, and it is important that Keadilan continue to nurter talent and leadership among women and to give them full attention.
— Bernama
