Taking to social media, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Hajah Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff shared ‘informative’ tips that married couple can follow for a happier marriage.
In one of her videos, which invited much controversy for the affirmation of the minister to use a more physical approach when resolving differences, the minister suggests that the wives were to take a soft approach while husbands are advised to use a ‘gentle but firm physical touch’ to teach their stubborn wives.
Don’t just take our word for it, here is a video of her statement.
In her video which was posted just yesterday, Siti Zailah shared, “It is the role of the husband to educate their wives, and the role of the wives to do the same.”
“In the instance where the wife does not safeguard her modesty, does not follow God’s commands or does something that the husband does not like… Husbands should advise them.”
But if the wives do not adhere to the advice, the husband can sleep separately for three days, and if things still do not change, a ‘soft’ and physical touch is allowed – “Full of love, which is not painful but shows firmness that the behaviour should change.”
This however is different from the advice that she has given earlier for women, whereby wives are required to “talk to the husbands when they are calm, full, have finished eating, have prayed and relaxed.”
“When we want to speak, we ask for permission first.”
“Wives should use the softest language so that husbands can accept their criticism. If they get angry, wives should remain silent and not talk back.”
Many were not satisfied with the Deputy Minister’s resolution, with prominent Muslim, female politicians making their stand against the apparent inequality suggested by her.
The pandemic has only seen an increase in domestic abuse with a total of 9,015 cases were reported – predominantly against women. This so called ‘advice’ by the deputy minister is a disservice and goes against current realities & needs. https://t.co/QoOd6b0gud Reference tbc 1/3
— Nurul Izzah Anwar ?? ? (@n_izzah) February 12, 2022
Among them is Nurul Izzah Anwar. In her tweet, @n_izzah writes, “the pandemic has only seen an increase in domestic abuse with a total of 9,015 cases reported – predominantly against women.”
“This so called ‘advice’ by the Deputy Minister is a disservice and goes against current realities and needs.”
So far, a number of prominent politicians have taken to social media, voicing out the public’s outcry against this irrelevant statement.
What are your thoughts on the matter?
Also read: Malaysian Ministry Say Women Should Use Doraemon Voice to Ask Husband For Help For a Peaceful Home
