“Wanita MCA have once again belittled the gravity of domestic violence or gender-based violence,” Wanita DAP said in a statement. “Karate is fun to watch on TV and exciting to learn as a form of self-defence – but Wanita MCA has totally missed the mark if they think that it will prevent domestic abuse.”

The women’s wing said domestic violence was not just a matter of physical force alone and may take the form of physical, social, psychological, sexual, or even financial abuse. Wanita DAP said education, awareness and access to justice were needed to prevent domestic abuse.

The karate course proposal was raised by Wanita MCA chief Heng Seai Kie at the party’s general assembly. Wanita DAP said a concerted effort on all fronts was needed and the wing urged Heng to stay informed on plans by state agencies to protect abuse victims.

It urged Wanita MCA to call on the government to make good on legal reforms to fight domestic abuse.

In a Facebook posting, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto said Wanita MCA’s sentiment was in poor taste and other solutions, such as awareness campaigns and pre-marriage courses on healthy relationships, would be more effective.