Hear the women roar
The hand that rocks cradle is set to rock the country. Women, making up more than half the voters, are
the new powers who will decide which coalition wins the polls. The ruling Barisan
Nasional knows it and so does the Opposition. Barisan has rolled out its formidable
Jalinan Rakyat ( JR) and its JR Plus while PKR has its Wanita Penentu (Women Decide) campaign. Gear up for election
JOHOR BARU: Women voters want action, not words, from political parties.
Private sector worker Kogie Karunanithi, 34, wants candidates who are vocal on issues such as violence against women.
“Issues like this affect women in this country. Whoever wins the election must fulfil their promises to protect our rights,” she said.
Corporate affairs and communication manager Engku Balquis Ungku Mokhsin, 38, said as a first-
time voter, she looked forward to casting her ballot this year after spending most of her life abroad.
“I would like to see political parties from both sides giving more opportunities to women candidates.
This is the kind of change I would like to see in our political landscape.
“Having more women candidates will put Malaysia on par with other democratic countries,” she added.
Marketing executive Valentina Tan Kim Eng, 55, hoped to see fresh and younger faces contesting.
“Even though former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is expected to contest again, his age will be in the minds of voters,” she said.
However, she said Dr Mahathir had done a lot for the country, elevating it in the eyes of the world, and Malaysians were grateful for that.
Young Sabahan women want candidates who will make sure their voices are heard.
Communications officer Sabrina Aripen, 38, said her decision would hinge upon a candidate’s ability to raise concerns regarding women, children and families.
“If the candidate is a woman, I would most likely vote for her since only a small percentage of women have contested in the past.
“We need the voices of women to be heard, so issues concerning women, children and families will be highlighted.
“Just one woman state minister is not enough,” said the mother of two, who will be voting in the Sepanggar parliamentary constituency.
Sabrina, who is of Bugis descent, said she would also be more likely to vote for a candidate who spoke out on environmental and social justice issues.
Lindu Livan, 32, said she wanted to see young Sabahan women exercising their right to vote.
“Women can change the power structure,” she added.