The former deputy prime minister and women, family and community development minister said “every woman should have a bit of knowledge of self-defence”, but solving the issue of domestic violence in Malaysia required efforts beyond that.

Wan Azizah was speaking at the launch of Wanita PKR’s “Community Alert” campaign and its mobile application “Rakan Komuniti” this morning.

In conjunction with International Women’s Day, the application was created to accommodate public complaints and to support those facing safety or welfare issues.

The suggestion for karate courses was previously raised by Wanita MCA president Heng Seai Kie at the party’s general assembly over the weekend.

DAP’s women’s wing had criticised the move, describing it as a “bizarre, comical and irresponsible” idea to help women defend themselves against abusive partners.

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto had also said Wanita MCA’s statement was in poor taste, and other solutions such as awareness campaigns and pre-marriage courses would be more effective.