Malaysia’s largest political coalition is calling for an increase in female leadership. The Barisan Nasional (BN) contains three component parties each representing of one of Malaysia’s three main ethnic groups. The coalition’s goal is to use these new leaders to successfully raise women’s issues to the forefront.

Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development and BN member, stated, “We feel that [women’s] issues are political issues as the people prefer political leaders who fight for such issues. The positive outcome will help raise their quality of life and protect their rights.”

One issue in particular that the coalition hopes to tackle is creating more family-friendly work environments since Malaysian women comprise half of the total workforce.

Wanita BN Wants More Women Leaders In Each Party’s Main Body- Malaysian National News Agency