According to the PKR Wanita chief, such a scenario would place greater emphasis on women’s rights and help in cases such as the unilateral conversion and custody battles experienced by M Indira Gandhi and S Deepa.
“If more women were policymakers, the cases involving Indira Gandhi and Deepa, pertaining to their children’s unilateral conversion, would not have happened.
“Also, having more women leaders will help lead our society towards a ‘No Child Marriages’ and ‘No Domestic Violence’ environment,” she said.
She added that this would be the outcome with having the input and feedback from women leaders on important issues, in order for decisions to be made with greater consideration towards women.
The Ampang MP said Mahathir’s views also differ with how the Barisan Nasional-led government had no political will to share power with women over the past 60 years.
She was referring to the talk given by the PPBM chairman via Facebook on Thursday.
It was part of the “Policy Talks” by the former prime minister on the social media platform in the lead up to the 14th general election (GE14) which is just months, if not weeks, away.
He blamed Prime Minister Najib Razak for failing to appoint more women to his cabinet.
“Even if there are women in Najib’s cabinet, they are not given important roles.
“They are responsible for small problems, nothing to do with the country’s economy, economic growth, trade growth, like Rafidah Aziz,” Mahathir said, referring to the former Wanita Umno chief who served in his cabinet.
Rafidah was international trade and industry minister between 1987 and 2008, serving under Mahathir and his successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Zuraida said she agreed with Mahathir’s views expressed in his policy talks.
“We concur with Mahathir that there is a deficit in the trust on women’s capabilities even when women form the majority of university graduates every year.
“But I am more pleased with Mahathir’s proposal to allocate more than 30% women in decision-making roles in any future administration under the Pakatan Harapan (PH),” she said.
She added that this easily makes the opposition coalition the best choice for the country, as more women would have access to better roles as policymakers.
“With more women helming important positions, especially as ministers or senators, women can be assured that their needs will be taken care of.”
She added that in line with this policy, PH will be fielding even more women candidates in GE14.
“If Pakatan Harapan manages to win this election, a lot more women will be appointed to share power to govern our country.
“The political will of Pakatan Harapan to field at least 30% women candidates for GE14 is a move that will surely be well received by everyone and in particular, women voters.”