'Women must be given a chance in final decision-making process'

KOTA BHARU - Kelantan Angkatan Wanita Amanah (Awan) supports the proposal for equality towards women candidates in the state elections on Aug 12.

Kelantan Awan chief Hafidzah Mustakim said women must be given a chance in the final decision-making process, especially in elections.

She said that only two out of 45, or 4.4 per cent, of assemblywomen in Kelantan were women, far from the internationally standardised target of 30 per cent.

"A total of 30 per cent is significant to bring meaningful change to all levels of society," she said in a statement today.

Previously, the women's empowerment activist group Women in Power called on political parties to support the equality of female candidates in the state elections.

They urged political parties and stakeholders to support the objective of placing 50per cent women candidates.

Dr Hafidzah said Awan agreed that the selection committee for all political parties must ensure that women nominated would highlight the importance of the group.

"The top leadership must place candidates in areas that are strong for the party, in addition to prioritising outstanding members who have helped the public," she said.