KUALA LUMPUR: More women should be in the Cabinet to ensure greater female representation and that their voices are heard.
This was mooted by Johor's Kota Tinggi Wanita chief Asiah Md Ariff in her speech at the Wanita general assembly today.
"Johor Wanita Umno would like to propose that our Wanita Umno chief (Tan Sri Shahrizat Jalil), the deputy as well as national exco members be made Cabinet members.
"This is to recognise their voices and contributions they have done for this movement.
"It is strange to see the nation's powerful mothers, equipped with strongest machinery and the backbone of Umno, not among the ranks of the Cabinet.
"There are only two women from Wanita Umno and that too, as deputy ministers.
"We want to bring back the golden days of Wanita and make us matter again," she said to applause and roars of support.
Asiah, who focused on the topic of female empowerment, said it is time Wanita Umno establishes a Nation's Best Mothers Academy, which aims to be an institute that develops women leaders and continuously hones their potential and talents.
This, she said, is to ensure that women's involvement in politics is not merely an image but also truly felt.
She said this idea came about after Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin challenged Wanita Johor to stop being nostalgic for the past and instead come forward create new achievements.