Political path is never smooth sailing, especially for women. One definitely has to chart her own destiny in order to move up the rank.

Three Gerakan’s iron ladies decide to speak their mind in conjunction with the International Women’s Day on March 8. Let’s listen to them on what they have to say……

Profile of Michelle Yeoh Hui Hoon

28-year-old / newly wed
Financial Planner
Coordinator for Batu Lanchang Constituency

Of the three ladies, Michelle is the youngest of them all, be it in party’s years of standing and age. Yet, she definitely has a personal insight when it comes to politics. She has shown great interest in politics since her college days in Han Chiang College. Her interest in politics increased gradually upon realising that politics can be participated and controlled by people. She admired the former Batu Lanchang Assemblyman Ng Fook On for his leadership quality, before ended up helping him in his political campaign rounds during the 2004 general election.

Michelle started off with activities’ planning after joining Ng’s service centre as a service team member. At the same time, she started to learn political tricks before joining Parti Gerakan at the end of the year. She began making constituency’s rounds with her mentor to get to know the voters better and take up political work in the run-up to the 2008 general election.

She opines that women face several obstacles in joining politics. She categorised them into 4Cs – culture, childcare, cash and confidence. Clearly, women’s determinations to join politics were undermined by cultural preconception. Secondly, general concept has it that women are bound to take care of their children in a family. In term of cash, women usually earn lesser than men. As such, funding becomes an issue when it comes to general election. Last but not least, most women were found lacking in confidence due to patriarchy influence.

“Getting support from husbands and friends’ are vital for women to get involved in politics. They have to understand your responsibilities in serving the people.” The newly wed Michelle said she could not get used to her life, having to juggle between career, family and party matters. Married women, too, can have their own social circle and pursue their dreams. However, they much convince their husbands to be more tolerant in their undertakings. The most important part is must know how to prioritise their works accordingly.

As Barisan Nasional’s Batu Lanchang Coordinator now, Michelle hopes to extend her services and assistance to more women. She wants to raise the awareness among women on the importance of voting and their basic rights as voters. “I will focus on three aspects – women’s rights, welfare and voting rights.”

As a child, she admired heroine, especially Mulan who displayed great courage and determination. Another highly capable woman she idolised is United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

by Editorial Desk
gerakan4u.com