Pkr Leaders Laud Ethnic Women Quotas For Delegates Voting In Party Polls

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Two PKR leaders have lauded the party’s move to introduce two new quotas for delegates who will be voting in the next internal election - one for ethnic representation and the other for women.
PKR vice-president Saraswathy Kandasami called the decision brave and progressive, reflecting the party’s commitment to ensuring social justice and equality in the political system.
“This effort also helps broaden participation among previously underrepresented groups, particularly women and various ethnic communities, in the decision-making process.
“By introducing quotas, the party is not only promoting diversity but also laying a foundation for more inclusive voices and perspectives.
“This step could drive a shift in political culture, making it more responsive to the needs of a multi-ethnic society while breaking traditional barriers that hinder women’s participation in politics,” she said in a statement today.
However, to ensure its effectiveness, other initiatives must accompany these quotas such as leadership development programmes and political education, the senator added.
Saraswathy KandasamiA PKR special congress was held in Shah Alam today for party delegates to debate and vote on motions to amend the PKR constitution that will change how the party conducts its internal election.
Earlier, PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh said the central leadership council was looking to do away with the “one member one vote” system for electing the top six party positions and revert to the delegates system.
This will give the power to vote to some 30,000 party delegates from 222 branches nationwide.
Under the quota system, 30 percent of delegates must be women.
Meanwhile, for the ethnic quota, each division’s delegation must be representative of the ethnic diversity of their respective localities, as per electoral data.
The special congress approved all motions.
PKR Women chief Fadhlina Sidek'Enhancing women's role in politics'
PKR Women chief Fadhlina Sidek also welcomed the party constitution amendments, saying that they align with the wing’s aspiration to enhance political activism and the involvement of women in social and community activities.
She said participation of women in higher leadership will increase with the amendments especially in the selection of branch representatives and additional representatives.
“These selections will take into account gender and minority ethnic quotas as determined by the central leadership council based on the demographics of each parliamentary constituency,” she said in a separate statement.
Fadhlina shared that the women’s wing is actively organising various training and potential development programmes at all levels for its members.
“Women's voices are a critical determinant of the nation’s direction. Hence, it is essential for PKR to continually refine women's talents and leadership skills, giving them full attention,” she added.
Women empowerment initiatives will also be intensified to achieve the target of at least 30 percent representation of women as political leaders and candidates in the next general election, she said. - Mkini

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