From Ambiga to the Obedient Wives Club, we take a look back at news involving Malaysian women

It has indeed been a newsworthy year for Malaysian women. Both encouraging news like Ambiga’s continuous fight for a better election system in Malaysia and frowned upon ones like the Obedient Wives Club, it was a year to learn and reflect. Here, we present you the roundup of high and low lights on Malaysian women when they make the headlines.
1. Malaysia to Introduce Female-Only Cab Service
Following the implementation of female coach on trains and female buses, Malaysian government started running female-only taxi service in November 2011. While gender segregation might not be the long-time solution for sexual harassment in public transport, it is undeniably a relief for women who commute everyday.

From the initial 50 taxis, all draped in ‘Teksi Wanita’ (women’s taxi) signages, it is hoped that as many as 400 taxis would be dedicated to this project.
2. Shahrizat Refuses to Step Down

The Women, Family, and Community Development Minister has gotten constant warnings to step down – including from former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad. Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil pledged herself not involved in any way over her husband’s monetary scandal in National Feedlot Centre (NFC).
“I am just the wife of the NFC chairman. All women have families and husbands,” she told reporters. The opposition has cornered her position in the ministry and Wanita UMNO post-NFC scandal, resulting in the government forcing her to call it quit.
3. Rosmah and Her Ring

When you are a First Lady of a country, surely people watch your every move – to praise or condemn. This time around, Rosmah Mansor allegedly bought a ring worth more than US$ 24 million (approximately RM 73 million). The precious ring was first spotted at the customs of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) earlier this July.
The “Natural Fancy Blue Gray Cushion Cut Diamond Ring” derived from a New York-based jeweller, Jacob & Co. The extremely expensive ring has gotten people, especially the opposition to question how much the PM regularly earns, to be able to afford such a luxurious jewellery. The public once again raised brows over it, and imitations of the ring is now popular among women, selling in art bazaars for as low as RM20.
4. The Obedient Wives Club

The controversial Muslim women club first made headline with their famous quote of ‘all wives should please their husbands better than first-class prostitutes’.
In October, they published the sexual guide handbook which was immediately banned by Malaysian government. The book, according to the club representatives, aims to teach women to please husband in bed. The Obedient Wives Club confessed that they conducted research and found that 90% of women did not know how to please their husbands – hence, the need of a guidebook.
The club has gained protest even from UK citizens, for neglecting women’s basic rights in sexual relationship.
5. Chinese Women in Malaysia Live Longer Than Men
Chinese women in the country have the highest live expectancy among Malaysians – aging 79.8 years in average, says Department of Statistics. Indian women are placed second (76.2 years) followed by Malay women (75.3 years).
This statistics have proven that in general, women live longer than men for they are more prone to pain and generally possess better body immune.
Chinese men live longest among other men in the country aging 74.4 years in average, followed by Malay men (70.5 years) and Indian men (68 years).
6. Ambiga and Her Continuous Fight

With Bersih, she has been fighting towards a free and fair election in Malaysia. The successful rally of Bersih 2.0 earlier on July 9 this year united as many as 50,000 Malaysians to walk and support the cause.
Ambiga herself, however, has received countless personal attacks including death threats and claims to stop her Malaysian citizenship.
The former Bar Council president remains calm under pressure and march on with Bersih. “We are a peaceful movement and we will leave it to the public to judge us by our action. Because Bersih is not about me, it is about the rakyat,” she told The Malaysian Insider.
7. ULTRA: Fashion with a Cause

Tengku Chanela Jamidah and Anita Hawkins hail ethical lifestyle through high fashion, and they have been more than successful. Earlier this year, ULTRA went to Paris Fashion Week to showcase the home-grown designs. Throughout 2011, ULTRA ran the ‘ULTRA 10’ campaign – 10 clothes for 365 days in order to encourage people to only buy clothes they need.
8. Capital FM: First Malaysian Radio for Women

It has barely been a month when Capital FM 88.9 decided to completely revamp their concept and launched a radio station for women. With its slogan ‘Women the new capital’, the station aims to celebrate women and be their on-air best friend. Female celebrity DJs like Asha Gill, Joanne Kam, and Xandria Ooi host different segments throughout the day.
9. Nicol David Malaysia’s Sports Icon

The Penang-born athlete hails Malaysia’s name to the world’s recognition. For six years, she has been holding on the world’s #1 squash title. She is now fighting her way to the Olympics in 2016, refusing to call it quits despite rejection from the IOC. With her fighting spirit, it is no wonder that the PM calls her ‘Malaysia’s most successful sports icon.
10. Malaysian Women Redefine Gender Roles in Technology
Clayman Institue of Gender Research believes the fast development in Malaysia’s technology industry is due to the high number of women working in the industry.
In the US, women hold key positions in politics and top managements but not when it comes to technology. As many as 50-60 per cent of employees in Malaysian technology industry are women. This phenomenon has created a modern take on gender roles.
source; http://www.venusbuzz.com/archives/3965/top-10-malaysian-women-news-in-2011/