Wanita Gerakan takes the stand that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim’s proposal may have been well intended and a gallant act to protect the fairer sex.

However, the law provides the age of majority as 18years. Consent is required for marriage purposes until the age of 21years. Thus, Wanita Gerakan takes the stand that the proposal for consent from her family for a woman to travel alone is a violation of one’s fundamental liberties which tantamounts to an infringement of women’s rights.

A proposal of this nature does not solve the luring of these young women. Hypothetically, a consent maybe obtained to travel abroad BUT does that specify the luggage that these women carry or will there be another proposal for consent from the family with specifications of luggage too! Consents can be forged and how do Immigration Officers verify the authenticity? 

The need to educate young women to be more prudent, to check out their employers and their company’s nature of business and integrity is essential. Young women should exercise more care when their job descriptions include traveling abroad and require carrying of luggage for the company.  Young women should be aware of what they carry and not leave their luggage unattended at anytime. 

Awareness campaigns on these areas should be highlighted.

By,
Jayanthi Devi Balaguru
Legal Chairman Bureau
Central Committee Wanita National.
Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia