Bismillah [hidayahnet] Media Statement on Marina Mahathir's accusation

[IslahGateway]

Media Statement Women Section, Reform Society of Malaysia ( Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia – JIM)   March 9th, 2006   Malaysian women DO NOT suffer apartheid !   The Women Section of Reform Society of Malaysia (Wanita JIM), a registered Islamic NGO strongly disagree and disapprove the blatant accusation  made by Marina Mahathir as reported in BBC news website dated March 8th, 2006.   She described Muslim women as second class citizens who were held back by discrimination as compared to the non-Muslim women in multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural Malaysia. She was referring to the recent amendments made in the Islamic Family Law Acts which was claimed to be discriminatory to women since the changes make it easier for men to practice polygyny and allow men to take more of their wives’ property. She even suggested the women’s ministry to be split in two – one to help non-Muslim to fight  discrimination, the other to keep Muslim women `bound and gagged’.   Such claim coming from the daughter of the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, is indeed unacceptable and shameful. Such remark tarnishes the good image of Malaysia as an independent, democratic and moderate country which upholds the principle of justice and fairness. The disputed amendments were already being studied thoroughly by the law authority of Malaysia and had been found to be compliant to the syariah (Islamic laws), which upholds the basic principles of justice and equity.   Wanita JIM realizes  that such claim was made following  some technical words present in the amendments that might result in incorrect interpretation and implementation. After series of discussions and consultations, we come to a conclusion that the amendments are necessary and timely to further protect   Muslim women’s rights. The amendments do not make it any easier for any man to take a second wife or to allow him to take more of his wives’ property! After all, the Malaysian syariah court is responsible to carry out the implementations of the laws with high standard of professionalism and quality.   Wanita JIM demands  that such accusation should be first clarified from official sources as well as from other Muslim women organizations in Malaysia. What is obvious, Marina Mahathir’s personal opinion does not reflect the actual happening in Malaysia. Women in Malaysia are given unlimited opportunities to obtain high education level ( young women made up 65% enrolment into tertiary education). We are free to choose our profession and career besides enjoying high standard of living with our families ( Maternal Mortality rate : 40 per 100,000 live births ). Like anywhere else in the world, increasing number of Malaysian women are involved in decision –making processes ( percentage women as members of Parliaments : 5.3% in 1990  &  10.4% in 2004). One thing for sure, Malaysian women definitely do not suffer aparthied !     Dr.Harlina Halizah Siraj Head of Women Section JIM Handphone : 6012-3243134   Moderator Hidayahnet http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hidayahnet Group Information Members: 7839 Category: Islam Founded: Sep 6, 2003 hidayahnet · eGroup For Muslims Ummah (Malay-based) Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh Hidayahnet is for Muslims to share their knowledge and discuss issues pertaining Muslim ummah. Postings either in Malay or English. We encourage participation from Malay-based communities such as from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and whoever can read Malay. {Invite (mankind,O Muhammad) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Inspiration and the Qur'an) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided.}(Holy Quran-16:125) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- All views expressed herein belong to the individuals concerned and do not in any way reflect the official views of Hidayahnet unless sanctioned or approved otherwise. If your mailbox clogged with mails from Hidayahnet, you may wish to get a daily digest of emails by logging-on to http://www.yahoogroups.com to change your mail delivery settings or email the moderators at [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the title "change to daily digest". SPONSORED LINKS Divine inspiration Islam YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS  Visit your group "hidayahnet" on the web.    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.