JOHOR BARU: Women candidates for the upcoming general election should be selected based on their merit and capabilities, not as quota fillers, said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said this was important so that only those with qualities such as leadership, wisdom and talent could be identified to become potential political and government leaders.
"It is time for women to come forward with their capabilities and leadership. We do not want to have women joining politics merely to fulfill quotas, or just because they are women.
"There is a lot of potential that women can bring to the plate. If these 'potential candidates' can be brought forward, it will give new dynamic to Malaysian politics.
"Women should be chosen for their merit and not merely because of a quota. This is what we need in the country today," Khaled said in a speech in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 at the launch of the Johor Women's Carnival 2017 in Angsana Mall today.
Khaled, who is also Johor Umno Liaison Committee chairman, said the number of women in high-ranking positions in political parties and government remained small, and this trend should not be allowed to persist.
"The general election is coming soon, and many women are offering themselves as candidates. I feel there is a need for me to say that we still need more women to come forward,"
"(However) We do not want a situation where Malaysia, in the 21st century, is being held back by a quota that is made to supposedly achieve gender equality.
"That is an old and outdated approach. We want women to come forward because of their leadership, wisdom, persona, intelligence and maturity," he said.
Khaled said Malaysia is among countries which have been at the forefront of gender equality, and this was proven with women cabinet ministers and women wings in political parties, which have been the norm since independence.
At the function, he also presented awards to 10 women personalities from various fields including the civil service, non-governmental organisations, commerce and the arts.
Also present were Johor Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Asiah Md Ariff and Khaled's wife Datin Seri Rosni Omar.