The DAP Women today commended Women and Family Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil for censuring the Perlis state government's paving of an easier path to polygamy.

Agreeing with Shahrizat that the move insults women, DAP Women Chief Chong Eng added that it was also unfair to the wife and children from the first marriage.

"In fact, this is against Article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution, which states, among others, no discrimination based on sex," said Chong, who is also the member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

The Barisan Nasional-led Perlis state government has announced that it will do away with the need to obtain a first wife's written consent to a second marriage, in an attempt to stop men flocking across the border to marry again in less-restrictive Thailand.

Savvy Shahrizat

Chong pointed out that Shahrizat ( photo ) had taken the same stand against opposition-led Terengganu state government's willingness to amend the Muslim Family Law 1985 to make it easier for its state assembly representatives to marry more women.

"This shows Shahrizat is savvy about her main responsibility, which is to uphold the interests of women and families," said Chong.

The opposition MP, however, threw down a gauntlet to two other BN leaders who had also criticised Terengganu, to reveal their stand now on Perlis' move.

Naming Deputy Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Abdul Hamid Zainal Abidin, Chong challenged them to prove that they do not hold double standards on this issue.

"DAP Women hopes the men will emulate Shahrizat on this matter, and dare to oppose this move which insults women regardless of whether it was proposed or implemented by PAS or BN.

"We do not wish to see them only daring to take on PAS for its idea, but keeping quiet when BN is the one that carries it out," she said.

On Dec 22, Abdul Hamid said Terengganu's plan must be censured because it contradicts true Islamic teachings and rules.

The same day, Zainuddin called it a PAS ploy to look after the self-interest of its male state assembly representatives. He said the plan was to prevent them from being charged in the Syariah Court if they were to marry again outside the country.