Patriarki, Politik Malaysia dan Pilihan Raya Umum

Patriarchy, Malaysian Politics and General Election

Abstract

This article aims to analyse the situation of women as leaders and candidates in Malaysian politics, especially during the 14th General Election (GE14). The patriarchy practice is chosen as an analytical concept in reviewing how this system has impacted women who want to actively engage as leaders and representatives of the people in Malaysian politics. So far, Malaysia has recorded a disappointing world ranking for the number of female leaders, especially in the legislature, ranking 143rd out of 187 countries. This ranking position illustrates the country’s democratic setback in providing opportunities and space to half of Malaysians, namely women. There are three objectives of this article, which are (i) discussing women’s background and Malaysian politics, (ii) identifying the practices of the patriarchal system in Malaysian politics, and (iii) analysing the initiatives undertaken during GE14 that have challenged this patriarchal system. This article is written on a qualitative basis by analysing data obtained from secondary data, official documents, and observations during the GE14 period, including during the nomination of candidates as well as the month after GE14. This article found that the patriarchal system has clearly undermined and negated women’s potential as leaders in Malaysian politics and that it is strengthened through the cultural practices of political parties such as UMNO, PAS, PKR, DAP and BERSATU. In GE14, the practice of enhancing the hegemony of masculinity continued with a minimal number of female candidates, and female party members were still considered more suitable as party voters. However, there are efforts that have been carried out by various parties, especially the women’s wings of political parties, civil society, the media, and government agencies, that have challenged this system and have voiced the importance of women as leaders of the country.