The Challenging Journey For Women Representation In Malaysian Politics

SINCE THE Beijing Platform for Action was formalised in 1995, governments have strived to meet the minimum threshold of 30% women in politics. Malaysia became a signatory that same year, but it took another 14 years before the target was formally adopted as part of the National Policy on Women. The year 2009 marks the beginning of the Malaysian government’s commitment to meeting this threshold in Parliament, state assemblies and the Senate.

So, another 17 years later, where do we now stand? Unfortunately, nowhere near the goal. With 13.5% female parliamentarians, 12% female state assembly members and 19% female senators, Malaysia is not even halfway to the minimum target. The stark reality is that we have never reached 15% women representation in politics in 68 years of independence. The highest percentage to date was 14.4% parliamentari-ans (2018) and 12.3% state assembly members (2023). Malaysia ranked far below its ASEAN neighbours in the most recent Global Gender Gap sub-index for political empowerment. Ranked 128 out of 148 countries, we sit only slightly above Brunei Darussalam, the worst performer region-wise.
Taking a closer look at women’s representation in the states, Johor is at the top with 27% women in state assemblies. Penang sits in the middle with 12.5%—a regression from 2018’s 15%. The east coast states showed even lower numbers: Terengganu’s state assembly has one woman (3.1%) and has only ever elected two women since elections began.