Pandangan wanita tak boleh jadi presiden parti, PM bersifat stereotaip, kata Saifuddin

Former Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Saifuddin Abdullah has criticized the stereotypical view that women cannot become party presidents or prime ministers. This narrow perspective, he argues, prevents the full potential of women and young men from being realized in politics. Speaking to the Merentas Ruang publication by Sinar Harian, Saifuddin cited examples within Islam that demonstrate the vital roles women have played in leadership and society.

These include the shrewd leadership of Queen Balqis (An-Naml: 23-44) and the influential roles of the wives of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), such as Khadijah (a trusted advisor) and Aisyah (who brought the Prophet his first revelations). The former minister emphasized that the optimal use of women and young men's potential in politics should prioritize knowledge, skills, and experience, including in determining who is worthy of holding certain positions.

He also pointed out that appointments should be made based on merit rather than familial relationships. Saifuddin urged the promotion of nepotism in selecting family members for positions, such as appointing one's spouse or child as party president. To build a new, democratic politics, he stressed that merit, skills, and experience should be prioritized in selecting and appointing individuals to specific roles.