'Marriage isn't like changing toothbrushes,' Maria Chin criticises Sanusi’s polygamy quota statement

SHAH ALAM - A prerequisite to polygamy is to be fair to all wives, says Maria Chin Abdullah as she describes Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's quota statement as ‘getting married like changing toothbrush’.

In a Facebook statement, the former Petaling Jaya Member of Parliament expressed disappointment over Sanusi’s casual remarks about polygamy, stressing the importance of fairness and responsibility in such marriages.

"A very shocking statement from a Menteri Besar. He referred to his polygamy by saying he still has 'two more' quotas.

"He easily forgets that entering a polygamous relationship is only allowed if the husband is fair in his polygamy and takes into account the rights of his wives," she said.

Chin said Sanusi's controversial statement was as if he implied that men could be involved in polygamy as casually changing toothbrush.

She said that the mentality undermines the gravity of polygamous relationships and the legal and religious obligations that accompany them.

"Discussions about the practice should never forget the rights granted to a wife involved in such marriages. A husband must fulfill all obligations stipulated by law and Islamic rulings, ensuring fairness to all parties involved," she said.

Polygamy debate has garnered significant attention recently, with Kubang Kerian Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man advocating for policies to promote polygamy as a solution for single women over 30.

Tuan Ibrahim, citing the high number of unmarried women, argued that polygamy could offer a solution to late marriages among Muslim women.

Chin also shared a survey revealing troubling statistics where 24 per cent of polygamous marriages occurred without the wife’s consent, 18 per cent of husbands failed to provide financial support, and 14 per cent neglected the welfare of their children.

For Chin, these figures reflect a deeper issue of neglect and unfairness.

"This is where our leaders fail to understand the welfare responsibilities and the impact faced by the first wife and their children.

"Reforms to monitor genuine marriages must be implemented to set standards for every state in order to protect the interests of women and children," she said.

Therefore, she urged all leaders to help build a more progressive Malaysia to bring equality and justice to those in need, rather than merely focusing on men's desires.

On Wednesday, Sanusi has acknowledged that he recently married a police officer.

He said he made the admission because he did not want his personal life to continue being the subject of gossip and speculation, with some even claiming that he had been caught in a khalwat (close proximity) situation.

"I still have a quota for two more. I married a police officer who is a single mother with one child. My wife proposed the marriage months ago. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly, orderly and was settled," he reportedly said.