KUCHING: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has called for stronger laws to protect women in politics, citing online harassment and fake news as key deterrents.
Many women, he said, are hesitant to enter politics due to uncontrollable challenges on social media, including slander, fake news, criticism and threats.
“Fake news, and when we enter politics, we are exposed to criticism and threats sometimes.
“This makes women feel that it’s not worth it and right now, we see Singapore has passed laws to prevent slander and so on.
“I am considering, if necessary, to introduce such laws in Malaysia. We should do so as this would prevent relentless attacks, fake news, which ultimately does not help anyone but gives satisfaction to those irresponsible individuals who spread such slander,” he said.
He was speaking to the media after attending the 4th Meeting of the Coordination Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (WAIPA) at Damai Lagoon Resort here today (April 22).
He also highlighted the double burden carried by women when they enter politics.
“For example, a woman who is a bank manager may also be interested in politics. But when she enters the political world, the pressure doubles — especially when she is married, has children and a family. As a mother, she is more sensitive to the stress her family might feel.
“Men, on the other hand, often have some of their issues taken care of by their wives. But for women in politics, they have to juggle a career as a wife, a mother, and now as a politician.
“Sometimes, the burden becomes unbearably sharp. So we sympathise with them, and that’s why we need to consider laws to protect them,” he said.
Earlier, he said that the initiative of providing free education up to university level implemented by the Sarawak government should be emulated and expanded to Peninsular Malaysia.
Johari who is also the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) president described the progressive move as an extraordinary approach that prioritises human capital development and the future of Sarawak’s youth.
“I was very excited when the Premier stated that Sarawakian children are given the opportunity to pursue higher education for free.
“I congratulate them because this is the kind of opportunity that Sarawakian children have long awaited,” he added.
He said that Sarawak is not only ahead in terms of technology and energy, but is now also leading in ensuring comprehensive access to higher education for its people.
“I hope such initiatives can be extended to Peninsular Malaysia, as they have a significant impact on the well-being of the people and the progress of the country.
“I encouraged young people, especially women, to take advantage of this opportunity to build careers in critical sectors such as technology, energy, and innovation.
“The people of Sarawak should be proud, and the children of Sarawak — especially the women — should seize this opportunity to equip themselves to become technocrats, scientists, innovators and more,” he said.
