A FORMER deputy minister today was aghast over a MCA leader’s suggestion to get women trained on karate to empower them and stop domestic violence.
“Can this Perikatan Nasional (PN) Government do anything right? I also have martial arts training (one step to black belt) but I don’t recommend this solution.
“Please get professional help as MCA is not an expert in this field,” said former Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh in a Facebook post.
Earlier today, Wanita MCA president Heng Seai Kie said that her wing would be organising an online karate course aimed at empowering women, discouraging domestic abuse and prevent crime.
In her policy speech at the party’s annual general meeting, Heng said that one has to know how to defend themselves as women and children often become victims to criminals.
“MCA will collaborate with the Malaysian Karate Association and Malaysia Chinese Women Entrepreneur Association to run the ‘Karate Defence and Self Protect’ training course from March 12 to 20.
“I hope you will participate in this programme. After all, a good wife does not have to hold on to the virtue of ‘not fighting back’.
“If necessary, fight back with full force to deter perpetrators and help rein him in from the precipice and enable him to reform,” online news portal Malaysiakini reported Heng saying.
Schooling Heng on domestic violence, Yeoh said that domestic violence not only affects women as there are also men who fall victim to such abuse.
She added that apart from spousal relationships, senior citizens and children also often fall victim to domestic violence.
“This is so telling of MCA Women’s failure to understand domestic violence and the challenges people face in these circumstances.
“Prescribing a wrong solution to a serious problem like domestic violence can cause severe injury and loss of life. I am lost for words. This PN must go!” the Segambut MP remarked. – March 6, 2021.
