MARCH 16, 2001.

In a Press Statement, made by Jaya Partiban, the Wanita MIC Chief as reported by the Star today, challenged the opposition on its statement in relation to the issue of social ills including drugs, prostitution and gangsterism existing in Kg. Medan and the areas affected in Petaling Jaya Selatan.

Jaya Partiban by denying the existence of such social ills in these communities, reveals herself as a leader who is distant from the realities, struggles, issues, anxieties and experiences of the women, children and people from the communities in Petaling Jaya Selatan and the surrounding areas. It is when leaders like Jaya Partiban and others in MIC who allow communities to be affected by violence, by drug use and other social ills that time bombs are created and consequently end in tragedies like ethnic violence. Such leaders are in fact irresponsible and unaccountable to their electorate.

When a leader addresses the issue of prostitution in a community or in a country, it is not condemning or insulting the women. It is in fact addressing and discussing the causes, the consequences, the impact and risks such a social phenomena brings to the women, the men and the community. One glaring example would be to know how prostitution in our community creates violence, trafficking of women and children. Another concern is on how it impacts on the reproductive health of women especially the vulnerability of women to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. Discussing these concerns in no way insults women. In fact, it brings about a deeper understanding how neglected communities become vulnerable to such conditions and the factors that create a disabling environment whereby interventions by themselves become difficult. It is in discussing these issues that the community together with various other leaders can help in developing strategies and interventions for change.

I have personally handled cases of missing girls forced into prostitution in this area. In the organization I belong to, Tenaganita, we have counseled many women from the area including mothers who have become helpless as their daughters have become involved in sex work. We have assisted women affected by various forms of violence from the same area. The women there need empowerment, support, strength and empathy. The women there don't need to be patronized. And therefore, I request Jaya Partiban to stop being condescending.

Jaya Partiban's challenge shows her little knowledge of what prostitution is all about in our society and to women. Such little knowledge is in fact dangerous for a leader to have. The Srikandi of KeADILan will only be too willing to educate and train Wanita MIC so that with a better perspective, the least they can do is to empathise with the affected women.

In fact Jaya Partiban's statement only goes to say and clearly indicate that she is not fit to lead women in our communities. A leader who is not able to identify with the women and the community, who is not gender sensitive but judgmental, who does not understand the issues faced by the women cannot and must not lead. Jaya Partiban, in fact should resign.

Wanita KeADILan is ready for an open debate with Wanita MIC on the social issues and concerns challenging our women in our communities today and how Barisan National has failed them. It is in unraveling the rubbish that the worms will come out and the environment can be cleaned for a better quality of life. But when truth is hidden, life can get destroyed. KeADILan is committed to revealing the truth and in protecting life.

Signed,

Irene Fernandez
Timbalan Ketua Wanita
Wanita KeADILan Malaysia.