SISTERS in Islam (SIS) said that its vision to end child marriage is not a common goal shared by PAS, one of the component parties of the ruling government.

“The vision to end child marriage in Malaysia is not a shared goal between Sisters in Islam and PAS, one of the political parties that make up the Perikatan Nasional government,” the civil society group said in a statement today.

“Women’s groups have been advocating for many years to raise the minimum age of marriage to 18 years old for all girls in Malaysia without exception, and yet, we have a political party in the new federal government that deems child marriage to still be a necessity in PAS-ruled states,” it added.

The group added that it was concerned about whether the newly formed Perikatan Nasional government had the political will to uphold and strengthen the rights of Malaysian women and children as well as migrants, refugees and stateless women and children.

It said the recent political changes that led to the delay in the next Dewan Rakyat sitting inadvertently delayed the introduction and reforms to laws and policies meant to give women further protection and exercise of their rights.

This is in reference to the introduction to the Sexual Harassment Bill, amendment of the Penal Code to criminalise stalking, and introduction of the anti-discrimination provision in the Employment Act.

SIS said that these reforms and policies were advocated in response to the constant challenges Malaysian women faced every day, both physically and online.

The group said it does not wish to see these reforms stalled or delayed any longer, adding that women and children in Malaysia deserve better and deserve it now.

“The government of Malaysia, together with other countries around the globe, have made commitments towards achieving, by 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals. Among the 17 goals is Goal 5: achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls,” SIS said.

SIS said it was imperative that Putrajaya continued work to ensure that Malaysia fulfils the 2030 agenda in line with the overall aim that no one gets left behind.

It also urged the government to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere, eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation, ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life and ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

SIS also called on the government to adopt and strengthen policies and enforce legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls at all levels. – March 10, 2020.