Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s 30 per cent policy to increase women’s representation in decision-making roles is a step in the right direction, but the policy alone is not enough, says Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul. Speaking at the opening of the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (WAIPA) 2025 here today, Johari emphasized the need for additional efforts to address systemic barriers, dismantle harmful stereotypes, and create environments where women can lead confidently without fear of discrimination or harassment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johari highlighted the tangible and intangible obstacles that women face, noting that deep-rooted cultural norms continue to challenge the legitimacy of women’s leadership. He pointed out that unconscious bias persists in various realms, including boardrooms and ballots, keeping capable women from positions of power and influence.

Johari, who also serves as the current president of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), expressed concern over the evolving threats in the digital age, where online platforms intended to empower have become arenas for harassment aimed at silencing women’s voices. He noted that economic inequality further obstructs women’s access to capital and opportunities necessary for success.

Johari called for transformative legislative reforms, emphasizing the need to move beyond token quotas towards achieving true parity. He advocated for mentorship to evolve into sponsorship, ensuring that women are not only guided but also championed. He stressed the importance of sharpening laws to protect women and rewriting social norms to celebrate women’s leadership.

Johari described this year’s WAIPA, themed ‘Steering Innovation, Inclusivity, and Diversity Through Gender-Balanced Parliaments for a Future-Ready ASEAN,’ as both timely and urgent. He stated that ASEAN’s resilience, prosperity, and future-readiness hinge on unlocking the full potential of all its people, both women and men.

He concluded by characterizing WAIPA as more than just a platform, but rather a powerful catalyst for action where dialogue leads to policy, alliances transform into movements, and commitments result in real, measurable change.