Wanita PKR has called on Umno leaders to admit they are behind the expansion of the Obedient Wives Club (OWC) to Sarawak.

NONE "They should make a public statement on the setting of the OWC's branch at the Batu Kawah New Township, near Kuching, next month," Wanita PKR national vice-head Voon Shiak Nie ( right ) said today.

"The person behind the setting up of the branch is an Umno man who has been, for years, trying to bring the party to Sarawak," she claimed.

She suspected that the expansion of OWC to Sarawak could be a cover to spread Umno's influence in the state.

"PBB Youth leader Fadillah Yusof, who is also the deputy minister of science, technology and innovation, has been invited to officially open the branch," she said.

"Let us see whether Fadillah accepts the invitation," she added.

If Fadillah accepts the invitation, she said it implies his support for the expansion of OWC to Sarawak, in spite of strong objections from PBB leaders, like Fatimah Abdullah and Daud Abdul Rahman.

Fatimah, who is also Wanita PBB deputy head, and Daud, PBB vice-president, had condemned the club as being insensitive and ridiculous.

The two, however, are the only BN leaders who had made a public statement on OWC's formation.

'BN leaders must break silence'

Voon called on the state component parties to take a stand on the establishment of a Sarawak branch.

NONE "The Wanita PKR members in Sarawak are taking this matter seriously, but it appears that the state BN leaders are insensitive and nonchalant towards the women's rights and dignity," said Voon, who accused the BN parties in Sarawak of being dictated by Umno.

"It is embarrassing for Fatimah, who is the Minister in the Chief Minister's Office, to announce her objection on the formation of OWC, which has been publicly condemned as degrading to the Malaysian women at large," she added.

The person behind the branch should take heed of the public's objection, Voon said.

"There is no need to set up the branch here. Why do you want to insult the women's dignity?

"The club already has triggered much objections and adverse comments from the public as civil societies," she added.