New Delhi: A female Malaysian leader’s suggestion about disciplining wives by "gently" striking them has sparked outrage. Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff who is the deputy minister for women, family and community development shared her advice in a two-minute Instagram video called "Mother’s Tips’."
In the video, the minister has suggested that husbands can use various methods to discipline their wives first by speaking to them if they don't listen then they should sleep separately for three days and in case they still persist with the same behaviour then "gently striking them to demonstrate his strictness".
She suggested that women should first let their husbands eat, pray and be relaxed before speaking to them. She has also suggested that wives should ask for permission if they want to speak to their husbands.
Her statements have caused an uproar and many women’s rights groups are asking the minister to step down from her position.
According to news reports, the women’s rights group Joint Action Group for Gender Equality has accused the minister of 'normalising' domestic violence which is a crime in Malaysia. They have said that it is already difficult for women to report domestic violence and statements like this makes matter worse. They have demanded her resignation.
In the statement, JAG added, "As a minister who is meant to uphold gender equality and the rights of women to protection and safety, this is abhorrent, denies women the right to equality, their right to dignity and to be free from degrading treatment. It is grossly mistaken and a demonstration of failed leadership."
The group has said, “The deputy minister must step down for normalising domestic violence, which is a crime in Malaysia, as well as for perpetuating ideas and behaviours that are opposed to gender equality.”
In a report by The Independent, the global leader of Equality Now, a non-government organization has said that it is worrying that the statements were made by a leader who is supposed to promote gender justice. He also said that violence against women should not be promoted by governments.