A group of 11 women’s rights NGOs are demanding for the parliamentary session postponed to May to be held sooner.

They argued that in lieu of a snap election, democratic processes in parliament becomes critical for the new government to gain public acceptance.

“As of the end of February, the (current) opposition to the Perikatan Nasional government maintains that they have the majority support.

“There is also concern that the shifting of alliances will continue to happen if the matter is not resolved through the proper channels provided for under our Federal Constitution.

“For this reason, there is an urgent need for the Parliament to convene as soon as possible,” said the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality in a statement today.

The group also expressed concern that the political developments following the ‘Sheraton Move’ over the past week would mean the previous government’s reform agenda would not be followed through, which would in turn hamper progress towards strengthening women’s rights.

They pointed out that there are legislation intended to protect women that were originally slated to be tabled in the parliamentary session beginning it March 9, but its postponement to May 18 means it will be delayed.

These include the Sexual Harassment Bill, amendments to the Penal Code to criminalise stalking, and amendment to the Employment Act to enhance protections for women at the workplace.

“The progress that we, the civil society organisations and the government, have achieved over the last two years in putting in place the policy reform and legislative agenda to ensure enhanced rights and protections for women should not be in vain,” JAG said.

The joint statement is endorsed by 11 out of 14 NGOs in JAG.

This includes Sisters in Islam, All Women’s Action Society, Association of Women Lawyers, Pusat Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor, Women’s Aid Organisation, and several others.

The Prime Minister’s Department said this is to allow time for the prime minister to select his cabinet line-up and get up to speed on their new jobs.

It would also allow MPs time to submit new motions and questions in light of the new political scenario, it said.