MIC's candidates for Parliament - for men only?

I was hardly surprised to discover MIC's decision to field nine men for its quota of parliamentary seats within the BN behemoth.

MIC has also been subjected to discrimination given the context of communal politics which has plagued our nation since independence. It is every man (in the case of MIC) for himself.

Understandably, even the president is afraid to take chances this time around that he would opt for Cameron Highlands which is a safer bet than Kapar for instance.

However, what is most disappointing is the way Wanita MIC has been completely overlooked in this vicious tussle for power.

Such is the fate of women of ethnic minorities; they are unable to negotiate for power because it would be considered unthinkable for them to deprive men of already limited opportunities.

Thus, Wanita MIC is forcibly silenced by the men or in this case the man (president) who calls the shots.

However, women party members are expected to bolster the party machinery during the elections which is an immense feat in itself.

They run service centres and implement programmes, campaign from door to door, assist during election day itself and practically run the show and last but not least flank the candidates during functions draped in their famous 1Malaysia sarees.

It is deep seated sexism that deprives women of access to decision making positions.

Do these men think that women should sacrifice because that is what is expected of them? That the best should be reserved for the enjoyment of men while women get by on empty promises.

What did the president say to the women to justify his decision? I wonder if Wanita MIC was even consulted in this process to determine potential candidates.

MIC is a boys club after all.

The upper echelon of power is only reserved for rich, educated and influential men.

The biased selection of candidates reveals how Wanita MIC has been relegated to a lower position albeit disempowered.

They are denied access to power because the gatekeepers are all men who want to maintain the status quo.

Until and unless, Wanita MIC become conscientised and aware of the discrimination that has been perpetrated against them, their reality will never change.