Sunday 23 February 2014

Barisan Nasional (BN) Kajang state seat by-election candidate Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun today slammed Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) wanita chief Zuraida Kamarudin's recent statement describing her as BN's 'sacrificial lamb' in the coming by-election.

Chew said Zuraida should not have made such a remark as it not only looked down on women but also on herself (Zuraida) as "she is also from the same gender".

"The party (MCA) makes the best effort to select the right candidate and, for me, this is a recognition for women.

"But Zuraida looks down on women. She should not have made that remark which insults her own gender," she told reporters after the 65th MCA anniversary celebration and extraordinary general meeting, here, today.

Chew said that despite the various allegations levelled against her, she was in high spirits and would work hard to win the by-election.

She also hoped the voters in Kajang would give her their support to enable BN to strengthen its role as the opposition in Selangor.

MCA Selangor Wanita Chief Ong Chong Swen added It is unacceptable for PKR's Kajang by-election committee deputy chief Zuraida Kamaruddin to belittle women politicians. As a woman, she should have upheld the status of women in politics and social rights as well as to support women participation in politics.

Hence, it is deeply regrettable to read her statement as a female Member of Parliament for Ampang accusing Barisan Nasional of “(fielding a woman candidate as a scapegoat) to shoulder the blame…” or that Mei Fun is “used as a political pawn (by men)”.

How could Zuraida say something derogatory to women that betrays her conscience just to ensure her political master - Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim may winning the by-election?

If BN candidate Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun is being “used” by men in this by-election, then Zuraida must also have been used by men in PKR to contest in the 308 and 505 General Elections.

Women’s participation in any election is a recognition of a the female gender’s capability and status regardless of winning or losing in any polls.

This form of ridiculous thinking by Zuraida must be rejected.

Is this the product of PKR in grooming women politicians? If it is not, Zuraida is not fit to be the party's Wanita chief.

Zuraida's statement:
Yesterday, PKR women chief, Zuraida Kamaruddin had said that, "It is least expected that MCA did not field its strongest candidate and President Liow Tiong Lai to contest against Anwar Ibrahim in Kajang. A commander who uses subterfuge in order to gain public support must be strongly condemned."

"Chew Mei Fun is clearly a scapegoat in this case - fielded to shoulder the blame should she lose in the by-election. Why field a woman candidate only when the chances of winning are slim? Women should be fielded in winning seats instead."

"This is so typical of MCA to keep winnable seats for men and assign tough ones to women," said the Ampang MP.

"Here is an opportunity for Chew to make a stance that a woman’s dignity should come first and that women should not be expected ‘to stand up and die’ whenever summoned by men or merely be used as a political pawn," she added.

Zuraida pointed out that the international target of encouraging at least 30 percent women’s participation in decision making should be taken in a more serious manner.

"Chew’s action of accepting the offer to contest will jeopardise women’s credibility to contest in the future," she said.
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