WOMEN empowerment in the political arena is what Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Balakong state seat, Wong Siew Ki aims to achieve.

In her campaign for the by-election, Wong told women supporters today that that one day women would no longer need to rely on the 30% quota for them to become policymakers.

“I believe that it is possible for women to be empowered one day without the quota and join the policy making process,” the DAP candidate told some 50 women at her ceramah.

Part of Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto was to ensure at least 30% of policymakers appointed at all levels are women.

Wong is slated to contest to replace former state assemblyman, Eddie Ng Tien Chee, who died in a road accident on July 20.

“Why are we supporting the 30% quota? Because only women know about women’s problems,” said Wong.

Wong gave an example of a parliamentarian who linked the leaking roof of the Parliament to women’s monthly menstrual cycle.

“This MP said women also ‘bocor air’ every month. That was offensive.

“Another thing is about the uniform of air crew being too sexy. What is this? There are so many things that are more important to discuss in Parliament but they choose to discuss this.

“This is why it is important for women to be equally represented in Parliament,” she said.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng Mei Sze who was also present to support Wong said the perception of women as being weak must change.

“A young representative (like Wong) is very important because only then can we bring in more modern ideas for our state to improve.

Ng also said that women have to face family responsibilities in addition to working.

“Other than bearing a baby, we also have to take care of the family. And with our daily expenditure increasing, we are also forced to work.

“So if we are able to bring these problems to the state assembly or Parliament, hopefully it can improve women’s lives,” she said.

The Election Commission has set 21 days for campaigning for both the Balakong and Seri Setia by-elections, the polling for which will be on September 8.

Wong will be going against MCA’s Tan Chee Teong in Balakong.

The DAP ceramah today was also attended by Kuala Kubu Baru assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong; Rahang assemblyman Mary Josephine Prittam Singh; Kampung Tunku state rep Lim Yi Wei and Jamaliah Jamaluddin, the Bandar Utama assemblyman. – August 22, 2018.