Dr M sees nothing wrong with Azizah as MB

 

PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has received a rare endorsement from her husband's arch nemesis, Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The former prime minister said there is nothing wrong with women holding leadership positions, including that of menteri besar.

He said this when asked to comment on speculation that Wan Azizah, the wife of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, might replace Abdul Khalid Ibrahim as Selangor menteri besar.

Mahathir stressed that Islamic nations do not differentiate leaders based on sex but rather on capabilities.

"There is no distinction between men and women. If the people want a woman (to be a leader), they will get a woman.

"We have seen this happen in many Islamic countries," he said.

Previously, Umno lawyer Mohd Hafarizam Harun said a woman might not be suitable due to among others, being unable to accompany the sultan in religious functions in the time of her menses.

His comments drew flak from both sides of the political divide.

Mahathir, however, did not comment on Hafarizam's statement.

The former premier was speaking to reporters after launching the "Drive For Gaza" campaign at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam.

Speaking on the situation in Gaza, Mahathir expressed disappointment with Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) for keeping quiet on the issue.

He said other Muslim countries should provide aid without waiting for the OIC.