He said that he was speaking about women in general, and the term ‘uzur syarie’ he used, can mean other women-related issues as well, such as confinement after birth.
“My main statement in NST is that although there is no express provision deterring a woman to be menteri besar in Selangor, conventionally, a woman has never been a menteri besar in history of Malaysia.
“Possibly this is because of religious reasons apart from whether Selangor is ready to have a woman menteri besar. One hadith (narration of Prophet Mohammad) has said that a country would not prosper if led by women.
"I never said it’s because Wan Azizah has menses!” he told Malaysiakini in a text message.Earlier today, NST had quoted Hafarizam (right) saying that while there are is no law barring women from the top post, there would be many ‘obstacles’ for her because uzur syarie would prevent her from accompanying the sultan at religious functions.
“Hence, the article under the Selangor constitution for example may not hinder a woman from becoming a menteri besar, but by convention, there could be problems due to the said circumstances,” Hafarizam was quoted as saying as a constitutional expert.
The report also quoted Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA) law lecturer Shamrahayu Abdul Aziz agreeing with Hafarizam that a female menteri besar will have difficulty at times escorting the sultan on formal occasions.
Their comments have led to angry reactions on social media as well as from leaders from both sides of the political divide.
“It wouldn’t say NST misquoted me because if you read the (quotation), I said it is not a deterrent, but by convention there has never been a woman menteri besar,” Hafarizam said when asked.
Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar however, said women can hold any government position except for Wan Azizah.
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