women's rights

this is the reason why we will always remain a third world country and islam will be thought as a chauvinistic religion.

dont get me wrong, im not a religious bigot. im no expert in islamic laws and teachings, but i believe that islam in its truest form is neither chauvinistic nor violent. but it is sad to see our political leaders bowing down to pressure from the so called 'religious leaders' and 'protectors of islam' whose mentality had far exceeded their sell-by date.

it seems to me that politician from both side of the line(UMNO and PAS) seem to be in this eternal battle to grab the the title as the 'most islamic' party in the country. i will say its a good thing if they were sincere in bringing the muslim rakyat nearer to God, but the matter of fact is their actions are motivated solely by the desire to garner as much votes as possible. the only time you see those two side coming together (the MEN that is) is when something which serve their own self interest comes to the fore, eg: easier polygamy rights.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat said the decision to rush the Bill through despite the acknowledgement that it was defective was to honour the agreement between the Government and the Rulers Council in 2003 when both parties agreed to standardise Syariah laws in the country. its time like this that the leader of this great nation, MALAYSIA, should stand up and be counted for. it is his duty to protect the rights of the rakyat, irregardless if its the rights of a man or a woman. so what if he pisses of some pompous individuals with yellow umbrellas. his duty is not to them but to the people who put gave him and his party the mandate to rule the country.

another issues brought about by the passing of this law is the overlapping of function between the executive and legislature. it comes as no suprise that the women senators were angry bout the family law and were planning to vote against it. all talks of breaking rank were brought to an abrupt end when Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had a private meeting with them. it was reported that the senators were visible shaken after the meeting. so its no suprise that the law was passed in the dewan negara unopposed.

are we living in a democratic country or a tyrant state?? a senator or an elected MP should be allowed to vote for a bill according to their conscience. whats the purpose of having an elected democratic if they can only vote for what they are told to vote for. this is not the first time and it wont be the last time either.

Datuk Dayang Mahani Tun Pengiran Ahmad Raffae of Sabah said “I apologised to my daughter that I, as a legislator, am powerless to do anything else. It is against my conscience. I give my support on condition that the amendments will be taken into account.”

oh come on!! if you are seriously against it, resign in protest. that will definately throw more light to the fight. why vote and say that you vote under protest. a vote is a vote, irregarless.

for the sake of the women in this country, i do hope the PM keeps his word and ammend the law.