Single Mothers Are Not Properties

KUALA LUMPUR: The concept of giving polygamy awards to married men who are willing to take single mothers as their second or third wives is inappropriate, said Wanita MCA chief Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen. 

“Marriage should be based on love and respect and not out of pity. Single mothers are not properties,” she said. 

Dr Ng echoed the views of Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil who criticised the proposal made by a state executive councillor at the Terengganu legislative assembly on Friday. 

It was reported that the suggestion was to ease the financial burden faced by single mothers.  

“This kind of marriage is made on unhealthy grounds. Only marriage based on love and respect can last,” she said. 

“Of course, this is a Muslim issue but such a concept is unacceptable and inappropriate, especially to a woman’s movement,” she said, referring to the Wanita MCA. 

Dr Ng also advised husbands to make contributions to the Employees Provident Fund for their wives who were full-time homemakers or not working. 

“Even though it’s not mandatory, husbands should seriously consider the plan which will be a form of saving and protection for their wives,” she told reporters after launching the one-day Di Zi Gui camp for parents, pre-school and school teachers at Wisma MCA here yesterday. 

She said the movement was committed to creating awareness of the importance of Di Zi Gui – the basic teachings of Confucius. 

“Parents should not leave their parenting responsibility to others. Many children today are either glued to the television set or their kakak – the maid,” she said. 

“If Di Zi Gui is widely studied, I believe the Chinese community can improve themselves,” Dr Ng said.