The remaining three people in the reshuffle are People's
Progressive Party President Datuk M. Kayveas as Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government. Umno Executive Secretary Tengku Datuk Adnan Tengku Mansor is Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and Deputy Executive Chairman of Utusan Malaysia is Parliamentary Secretary at the Information Ministry. Congratulations to all.

It is clear that after the 1999 general elections, the Prime Minister has
been trying his best to publicize and improve Umno's image as the champion of women and Islam. Apart from fulfilling the short-term political expediency, we hope that the Government is able effectively to raise the status of women.

MORE ALLOCATIONS

In 2000, the current expenditure for HAWA was RM 24,356,400 whereas this year it is RM 1,828,200. Once HAWA becomes a Ministry, will its allocation increase?

In 1995, the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, Cedaw, was held in Beijing. Malaysian representatives supported Cedaw resolutions that include amending all acts which discriminate against women. So far, the Government has amended such acts as Domestic Violence Act and Incomes Tax Act. However, others like Immigration Act continue to discriminate.

Creating a Women's Ministry is one thing. But, increasing allocations and amending laws to raise the status of women are another. If the Government can implement Cedaw resolutions, it will be a good start.

Now, over 40 per cent of Malaysian labour force are women. But, other
sectors such as the corporate sector have relatively few women. Hence, there is an urgent need to review the position of women in all sectors.