KUALA LUMPUR: By increasing the number of women representatives in the central executive committee (CEC) of DAP to 40 per cent, more women are likely to become ministers and deputy ministers, says Teo Nie Ching, head of DAP’s Women wing.

Teo, who is also one of the party vice chairmen, says although the party constitution has set the women representation at 30 per cent, the ratio of female ministers and deputy ministers is relatively low.

Of the six deputy ministers from DAP, two are women – Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying and Teo, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital, while Hannah Yeoh is the only woman minister among the five ministers from DAP.

In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily, Teo said the 30 per cent quota for women has helped ensure women representation in the CEC.

Prior to implementing the gender quota to ensure nine women (30 per cent) are in CEC, only two to three women (10 per cent) were elected, she said.

Women made up of more than 50 per cent of the population of Malaysia, while in DAP, more than 40 per cent of members are female.

However, only 25 per cent of DAP’s delegates are women.

Prior to implementing the 30 per cent quota, women representation in CEC was only less than 10 per cent, she said.

“The quota has helped increase the women representation from less than 10 per cent to 30 per cent, offering more room for women to be at decision-making level while party members are also able to notice the women’s strength.

“We need to implement gender mainstreaming and continue grooming more women leaders for them to join the decision-making level in the party as well as increase their chances of taking up key positions in the party.

“If the ratio of women in CEC reaches 40 per cent, the likelihood of having more female ministers and deputy ministers will be increased in a significant manner,” she said.

A total of nine women were elected into the 30-member of CEC in the recently concluded party election.

The nine women made up of 30 per cent of the CEC.