KUALA LUMPUR, April 25- The Barisan Nasional’s (BN) manifesto is seen as being capable of wooing female voters who are acknowledged to be vital to the party’s victory in the 13th general election. Women, as the largest group of voters, numbering 6,664,474 (50.23 per cent) compared with 6,603,528 men (49.77 per cent), should be given due recognition in the manifesto.
Political analyst Assoc Prof Datuk Zainal Abidin Borhan said the BN continued to appreciate women’s role by giving them a chance to work together towards the nation’s development. “The BN manifesto is not only an Aku Janji (pledge) for five years, but can be said to be a promise for the future as long as the party is allowed to rule the country.
“If we make a comparison, the opposition’s manifesto is more populist in nature and is not tailored for women,” he said when contacted here today. Another political analyst, Prof Datuk Dr Ramlah Adam, said that based on the BN’s track record, the Aku Janji would definitely be fulfilled as the party continued to believe in women’s capabilities and in fact their achievements were mostly guided by government initiatives.
She said that among the initiatives welcomed by women was the establishment of childcare centres at the workplace to ease the burden of working mothers. “The BN’s pledge to provide more business opportunities is also regarded well by women so they need not rely solely on their monthly salary,” she said.
Members of the public also expressed their excitement and happiness over the manifesto as it highlighted women development and fulfilled their needs. Civil servant Suraiya Jamil, 28, said she welcomed the plan to set up 1Malaysia childcare centres in government offices which would help parents ensure the safety of their children.
“With this facility, parents do not need to rush to drop off and pick up their children. They can even see their children during lunch,” said the mother of one child. Housewife Noraliah Ismail, 33, said initiatives in the BN manifesto could help women be more independent with more opportunities to work from home.
“Women, especially those not employed, can help lessen the burden on their husbands in supporting their family by opening a small business or taking orders to sew and such,” said Noralilah who has just begun venturing in online business.
The BN manifesto for the 13th general election will create more opportunities for women to increase their income, more incentives to work from home and involve more women in the country’s decision-making. The Aku Janji themed “A Promise of Hope” will also encourage gender equality to maximise the potential of Malaysians in all fields. The manifesto is also set to eradicate sexual harassment and abuse at home and in the office.
BERNAMA
