KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak urged Malaysians to continue the push for the rights of women and take steps to eliminate all forms of violence against women. His comments come after weeks of frustration by women's groups in the country over his lashing out at women's rights in Malaysia. It also falls on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. “I make this plea, not only as a politician, but as a husband and a father as well. “Violence against women takes many forms, but none are acceptable. “Today, let us all take a step back and do what is necessary to ensure the women we love are protected," wrote the prime minister in the latest entry on his 1Malaysia blog. It is titled “Eliminating Violence Against Women", in conjunction with the United Nation's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, this Sunday. Women in Malaysia told Bikyamasr.com that “it is a good move in light of all he has said recently concerning women's rights, but it still is just words.” Mariam Aziz added that “we need more than just words from Najib, we want action as women for a better society.” The PM continued that Malaysia has a “strong track record when it came to women's rights” and he “was proud of the progress made so far in ensuring equality in the workforce and government.” Aziz and others however, say that “the PM is living in another world if he thinks Malaysia has a strong record on rights for women. Look at the sex trade and violence this year alone.” “Across the country, Malaysians are working to make our society safer – and more equal," he said. But despite this progress, cases of domestic violence, sexual harassment, incest and rape still make the headlines, he said. Between 2008 to May 2012, the Women's Development Department recorded 8,653 cases requiring guidance and counseling due to being victims of violence, he added. “I don't believe these issues can or should be left to victims or their families to deal with alone. The safety of all citizens is a moral duty of national importance and cannot be ignored. “As both Prime Minister and Women, Family and Community Development Minister, I promise to do whatever I can to curtail the unacceptable levels of violence against women," he emphasized. The government has organized the Women's Safety Campaign 2012 to increase women's awareness and knowledge of the risks, he added. He said, although it was only half-way through, it has already surpassed its target for participants, which was a fantastic achievement. “The government also actively provides emotional support and shelter to victims of sexual crimes and domestic violence. “This year alone, the Women's Development Department has organized 16 guidance and counseling programs nationwide, involving 901 participants," he elaborated. Najib said, the government will continue to empower women in the workplace, so they could be more independent and less likely to fall victim to any form of abuse.
