COMMENT | Last Sunday, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak pointed out that the success and effectiveness of a political leader depended on the role played by his wife.

"If a wife becomes a true friend, be able to make him happy and understand his duties, heart and mind, than I am confident that every BN elected representative will be more successful,” Najib said at a banquet and closing of a programme with the Wives of Barisan Nasional Elected Representatives in Bandar Hilir, Malacca.

While Najib may be referring to the wives of BN lawmakers and advising them, the same is true for all politicians.

It is understandable for many to react negatively at everything a prime minister who is perceived as unpopular has said or done, but we must also be fair. If what he said makes sense, then it’s only right and proper that we say as much.

But I’m not focusing on wives of politicians here. Since the subject of women was brought up, let’s take a good look at our women politicians.

It must be acknowledged that there is a greater percentage of men being elected as legislators and women are under-represented in the political arena in many countries. So it is in Malaysia as well.

But that is slowly changing. Several political parties are now ready to field 30 percent female candidates in the 14th general election (GE14), an indication of the important role and effectiveness of women in politics.

I am of the opinion that there are many Malaysian female politicians, both past and present, who have done the nation proud.

Our first woman minister, Fatimah Hashim (photo), was a much-loved figure not only within Umno, but the whole nation.

She was followed by Aishah Ghani, arguably the most effective welfare minister ever, implementing meaningful policies targeted at the hardcore rural poor while not forgetting the needs of the downtrodden in the cities. She also encouraged girls to reach for the highest level academically.

For these first two Malay women leaders, greed, wealth and power were never in their vocabulary. All they desired was to be of service to the nation and people.

Even in their time, we did not see such traits among their male counterparts, whose lust for power was already obvious.

I doubt I’d be way off in saying that no prominent woman politician was involved in the May 13, 1969, racial riots, one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history.

I see a semblance of Fatimah Hashim and Aishah Ghani in Sarawak’s Ajibah Abol and Sabah’s Rahimah Stephens. They were caring and humble women, and when given the opportunity to help look after the welfare of the people in their respective states, they did so with love and affection...