Former PKR MP Maria Chin Abdullah has swiped at Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over his recent remarks on polygamy.
Maria singled out Sanusi’s choice of words, “two more quota”, when commenting on speculations about his second marriage.
“Sanusi’s comments make it appear as if men can enter into a polygamous marriage just like changing their toothbrush.
“Unfortunately, this seems to be the view held by a leader,” said Maria, who – before entering politics – was actively involved in Malaysia’s women’s rights movement, other than her role leading Bersih.
She also described Sanusi’s statement as unbecoming of a menteri besar.
Yesterday, the PAS election director broke his silence and confirmed speculations of his second marriage to a police officer who is also a friend of his first wife.
‘Leaders failed to understand the issue’
Elaborating, Maria said discussions on polygamy should also include existing rights granted to wives involved and men must be made accountable for fulfilling all their obligations set under the law and in Islam.
She also criticised PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who in November last year reportedly proposed polygamy as a “moral support” policy for single women aged above 30.
“He (Tuan Ibrahim) claimed there were eight million unmarried women and offered polygamy as a way out,” she said, noting that Tuan Ibrahim had repeated his proposal on Jan 4 in the Dewan Rakyat.
“A survey found that 24 percent of polygamous marriages occurred without a wife’s consent; 18 percent of husbands failed to provide financial support; and another 14 percent of husbands failed to provide child support.
“Here is where our leaders have failed to understand the responsibilities involved and the impact on the first wife and their children,” she said.
She added that there needs to be a review of marriage laws in each state to better protect the rights of women and children. – Malaysiakini