KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the Dewan Rakyat's recent constitutional amendment concerning citizenship, Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong insists that Malaysia still requires more efforts to achieve gender equality.
Wong acknowledged the amendment as an important step, allowing both mothers and fathers equal rights to pass on Malaysian citizenship to their children.
Wanita MCA chief Datuk Wong You Fong
However, she expressed concern over the undermining of the Federal Constitution by certain "extremist political leaders and officials."
"The amendment is a significant step for gender equality in Malaysia, a result of Wanita MCA's long-standing advocacy. Yet, the pursuit of gender equality must continue, especially in safeguarding women's rights," she said at the Wanita MCA Annual General Meeting on Saturday (Oct 19).
Wong highlighted recent incidents in Terengganu where female performers were banned from singing at a religious festival and female gymnasts were excluded from the upcoming 2024 Sukma games.
She criticised these actions for regressing women's progress and restricting opportunities for their professional and sporting advancement, which she sees as counter to global values and development.
Wong warned that Malaysia's conservative trend could deter foreign investors and tourists, exacerbating economic challenges and adversely affecting the youth.
She urged the government to prevent misuse of authority by law enforcement and to protect the constitutional rights of all citizens, free from racial bias.
"Wanita MCA remains committed to upholding the rule of law," she added.
The Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2024, concerning citizenship rights, was backed by more than two-thirds of Parliament, with 206 MPs supporting it in the second and third readings.
The Bill's modifications extend citizenship rights to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers, amending the previous rule which limited citizenship to those with Malaysian fathers.
Also in attendance at the meeting were Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, Wanita MIC chief Saraswati Nallathamby, and her deputy Dr P. Thanaletchumy.
