Its chief, Heng Seai Kie, said there would be no stability without such a law as the country has experienced political instability because of this.

“Taking into account the security of the people and the interests of the country, Wanita MCA would like to call on all political parties, regardless of ideology, to set aside their political games and fight the Covid-19 pandemic together, putting the people first,” she said.

Bernama reported her saying this in her speech at the 45th Wanita MCA general assembly, which was opened by the party’s secretary-general, Chong Sin Woon.

The conference was attended by 686 delegates from 186 divisions across the country. It was held in a hybrid manner, combining minimal physical presence at Wisma MCA as well as virtual attendance.

Heng also urged the government to review and amend laws that were irrelevant or not in favour of women.

She said a jail term should be imposed on former husbands who failed to pay alimony, adding that the government should also solve problems relating to citizenship of children from marriage with non-citizens.

“It should also allow non-citizen spouses to work in Malaysia.”

On the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, Heng said Wanita MCA, together with the party’s Crisis Relief Squad (CRSM) and youth wing, were in the midst of recruiting volunteers to help the community register for the programme.

“Wanita MCA will make house visits if allowed, subject to the standard operating procedures. We also want to set up counters to help the public register for the vaccination,” she added.

Chong, in his address earlier, said there was a need for more women to be involved in the MCA Central Committee. Currently, there are eight women representatives on the committee.

“Due to the lack of women representatives, it was difficult for the party to voice current issues including those related to family, education, children’s rights, employment opportunities for the young and the underprivileged effectively,” Chong said.