CEDAW REPORT PRESENTED
Malaysia upholds rights, dignity of people in accordance with law, says ministry
MALAYSIA presented its report on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Cedaw) during the 69th Session of the Cedaw committee on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland.
The report was submitted by a representative of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and included an update on policies, initiatives and concrete measures undertaken by the government to eliminate discrimination against women as well as steps taken towards gender equality in Malaysia.
“Among the issues raised in the dialogue session was the dual-legal system, which was viewed as being discriminatory against women, particularly Muslim women under syariah law.
“Some committee members were keen to learn of a timeframe to change patriarchal norms and gender stereotyping, as well as measures to increase the number of women in politics and in decision-making positions, among others,” said the ministry.
On issues of discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, the ministry said Malaysia upheld the rights and dignity of people in accordance with the law, and in cases of discrimination, due process would be exercised accordingly.
On claims that Muslim women enjoyed less rights in marriage, divorce, guardianship of children and inheritance, the ministry reiterated that syariah law provided adequate safeguards and protections to prevent discrimination.
The ministry assured the Cedaw committee of its commitment to strengthen the national machinery for gender equality and empowerment of women, in line with its national agenda which was reflected in the National Women and Policy and Women Empowerment Year 2018.
Cedaw had recently criticised Malaysia’s human rights record and referred to issues such as judicial weaknesses, discrimination against LGBT, guardianship of children, sex education, inheritance, polygamy and female genitalia mutilation.
Its committee included Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members from Egypt, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Turkey, Algeria and Mauritania.
Dr Muhammad Fathi Yusof, who is Research Fellow (Law and Constitution) at Centre of Research for Fiqh, Science and Technology in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), said the United Nations review on Malaysia’s Cedaw matters was “provocative and unprofessional”.
Fathi said personalities chosen to review the issue were seen as unsuitable, and that they used reference materials which were deemed one-sided.
He said the United Nations should have been wiser in addressing the issue and taken into account factors such as the country’s background, religion and culture.
“We appreciate UN’s efforts to improve the level of a just rule under the concept of human rights, but it must be done responsibly, honestly and in a fair manner.
“UN should have appointed personalities who were fairer and appreciated diversity, and used a nation which is based on Islamic principles as a point of reference.”
Fathi, who expressed his disappointment with the assessment, said the opinions of Cedaw committee vice-president Ruth Halperin-Kaddari appeared to be based on a narrow viewpoint.
“The questions appeared provocative, hence highlighting UN’s unprofessional and heavyhandedness in trying to impose a specific culture and mindset on others.”