Speak up: 8th March: Women's Day & 5th Anniversary of 308 Malaysian Political Tsunami

Friday, March 8, 2013

8th March: Women's Day & 5th Anniversary of 308 Malaysian Political Tsunami

DS Dr. Wan Azizah
(Wife of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim)

DS Rosmah Mansor
(Wife of Prime Minister Najib Razak)

8th March 2013 bears two significances for Malaysia. Today is celebrated as International Women Day in Malaysia and also is remembered as the 5th Anniversary of the "308 Political Tsunami" during Malaysia's 12th Generel Elections on 8th March 2008 which saw the opposition party (Pakatan Rakyat comprised of PKR, PAS and DAP) denied the ruling party a two-third parliamentary seats for the first time in history and also swept to power in five state governments of Kelantan, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor.

Despite winning another 5-year federal government term, then Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is held responsible for the worse election results for the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional (BN). PM Abdullah Badawi was literally pressured to transfer his prime ministership to Najib Razak in April 2009.

Najib Razak has since become the 6th Prime Minister of Malaysia till now which today 8th March 2013 marked the end of the "natural" parliamentary 5 year term since 8th March 2008. Many expect that Najib will be facing the toughest election yet with a more organised opposition parties under Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. The 13th General Elections must be held latest by June 2013 but analysts and general public believe that it will happen in April or May.

Since it is also International Women Day, I would like present two very famous Malaysian women in their very own ways. Both also played very important roles in shaping Malaysia's political landscape and also social policies.

13th General Elections will be the contest between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

So which one of these two women would you choose to be Malaysia's next most prominent woman role model? (After the 13th General Elections)

YAB DS Rosmah Mansor or YB DS Dr. Wan Azizah?

Rosmah is known by the main-stream media as an strong advocate for early childhood education and care and she also heads a variety of government linked charitable organisations.

While Dr. Wan Azizah's significance lies in her person, she symbolizes inner strength, resilience in a gentle soul and embodies moral etiquette and values in her humility and smile.

Casual smile look