Malaysian Women in the Modern Era

Abstract

This article attempts to examine the position of the Malaysian women in the present context of capitalist development and fast rate of industrialization in Malaysia, and raises the question, 'Does a common notion of the modem Malaysian woman exist?' The first part examines critically the lack of women's representation in all institutions of society. The lack of representation especially at the important decision-making levels has disadvantaged the majority of women. The second part proposes that women are also disadvantaged in the domestic sphere, where the main tasks and responsibilities are borne by women irrespective of class, although some variation naturally exists between these women. The third part then looks at the roles and achievements of women's NGOs. They have succeeded in bringing about new laws (e.g. the Domestic Violence Act) and amendments to others (e.g. the rape laws). There appears, in fact, to be a closer partnership between the government and women's NGOs over women's issues. Furthermore, they have brought much-needed services for female victims of violence, and have educated the public on women's issues. The last part discusses the modem capitalist, consumerist and religious culture, which constructed the image and role of women. Conformity to the dictates of such structures lends support to the philosophy of expediency and acceptability for most Malay women.