Five years away from 2020, Malaysia still showcases a dismally low number of women in positions of power. To improve this figure seriously, it is perhaps time to consider implementing gender quotas in politics.
Sixty years ago, history was made on several fronts with Malaya’s first general election. Voters were allowed to choose representatives to the Federal Legislative Council, and the Federation of Malaya elected its first Chief Minister and its first Cabinet in preparation for Independence.
Another first was the election of Halimahton binti Abdul Majid, the sole woman Umno candidate, to represent the constituency of Hulu Selangor1. At the time, Halimahton was the only woman among the 52 legislators, placing women’s representation in top-level politics at a measly two per cent.
Over the years, the number of women elected to public office has improved – but very slowly and very painfully. Only in 1999 – a good 40 years and seven general elections later – did the proportion of women in the Lower House (Dewan Rakyat) reach 10.4% (20 out of 193).
