Speaking at a webinar entitled “International Women’s Day 2021: Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a Covid-19 world”, she said female politicians should have a “moral compass” and press their parties to understand the issues faced by women.

“It’s very important for women to believe that they can be there to make a change. Not only for their political parties but knowing the fact that they are representing all women out there.

“There’s no point having a woman who offers herself (as an elected representative) when she doesn’t want to speak out on sensitive issues,” Azalina said, adding that if sensitive statements are made against women, female politicians must be bold enough to take a stand against such remarks.

The Pengerang MP also said policymakers in the government must accept that their policies are still backward, adding that International Women’s Day should not be a one-day celebration.

“Governments are not know-it-alls anymore. Community and people’s participation is a must.”

Azalina also said she was excited at the increasing number of women getting into politics as there are a variety of political parties out there in Malaysia for them to join.

She was also hopeful that lowering the age for voters and election candidates to 18 would encourage more younger women to participate directly or indirectly in politics.

The Undi 18 bill, officially known as Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019, was passed by the Dewan Negara in July 2019. The amendment lowers the voting age from 21 to 18.