Media Statement
Laws that discriminate against women must be challenged
The proposed amendment to Article 8(2) should now read "Except as expressly authorized by this Constitution, there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, sex, descent or place of birth in any law or in the appointment of any office or employment under a public authority or in the administration of any law relating to the acquisition , holding or disposition of property or the establishing or carrying on of any trade, business, profession, vocation or employment."
Aliran views this as an important step taken by the Malaysian government, a signatory (albeit with reservations) since 1995, to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). With this amendment of the Constitution, the other archaic and discriminatory laws and procedures that severely restrict the rights of women can now also be challenged and changed, including the Citizenship related laws and Immigration Act 1963.
While welcoming this move by the government, we must be aware that there is no room for complacency. Advocacy for change in the remaining discriminatory laws and procedures must still continue, in the institutions that formulate these laws and in the people who implement these laws. It would be na�ve to conclude that the mere inclusion of the word "sex" in Article 8 (2) of the Federal Constitution will bring about gender equality without a mindset that focuses on justice.
Aliran looks forward to the day when there can be true justice and equality for women in Malaysia.
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Aliran welcomes the proposal by the government to amend Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution to enable women to have and enjoy equal rights as men and to ensure they are not discriminated against. The recognition of women, not just as equal partners in the development of this nation but as full participating members of society, has been long overdue.