YOURSAY | ‘Will there be a Ministry of Men asking husbands to act like Ultraman?’

Talk like 'Doraemon' and wear makeup at home - ministry's MCO tips for women

'Doraemon' advice courts flak when women facing violence, welfare woes

After flak, women’s ministry removes 'Doraemon' advice, 'apologises'

Anonymous_15443: Just when I thought I was speechless with the antics of Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin donning her personal protection equipment (PPE) suit emblazoned with the word "menteri" (minister) on her head while frontliners face PPE shortage, this “Doraemon advice” comes forth from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

Do we really have idiots, from minister to civil servants, running the country?

At a time like now when we are facing possible death, loss of income and jobs, the concern is to “dress nicely like in the office” for your husband? To not nag and speak in a cartoon cutie-pie voice full of meekness and submission?

We went from the heights of predecessors such as Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Hannah Yeoh, who were worried about child and marital abuse, to silly people helming the ministry.

What has Malaysia done to be cursed in this way?

Vgeorgemy: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who are involved in social services are fighting with the authorities to distribute food to those daily wage earners who have lost their jobs working in restaurants, malls and office premises, and also the homeless, to keep the population fit till the economy opens.

They haven’t heard anything so far from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in this regard.

The ministry should have also published its usual distribution centres for the NGOs to access. It must also open up special helplines to assist those who are facing the full brunt of domestic violence during this unprecedented partial lockdown.

These are the essential social services any democratic government at the height of a healthcare crisis provides.

Anonymous_16760: You know what’s really scary? This advice campaign on Instagram was designed and written by a team, vetted by a committee, revised and checked again, and approved by higher-ups.

And knowing how slow they work, this probably took them quite some time. So that means they are all collectively that stupid.

Goose N Banter: I guess the ministry was trying to infuse humour for respite. Well, it’s definitely fallen flat.

Yes, this is absolutely stupid. Asking women to act foolishly for the sake of amusing their husbands? Speak in Doraemon’s voice? Are you serious?

I told my wife, movement control order (MCO) or not, I’d be taking her immediately to Hospital Bahagia for a check-up if she did something even close to that.

Anonymous_15825: Can our minister and deputy minister please show us how to talk like Doraemon?

This is so that the woman will get the right Doraemon tone that you suggested to prevent any unforeseen incident that might happen to the husbands such as having a heart attack or feeling nausea.

As you are aware, our doctors and nurses are busy fighting Covid-19 now, so going to the hospital is the last thing that we want to do.

Oriole: Have dinosaurs taken over the running of this ministry? What sort of backwoods advice is this?

This is precisely what we voted out in the last elections - and here it is again. What will we have next? The Obedient Wives Club? This is a classic case of Nero fiddling while Rome was burning.

Focus on substantive issues and educate yourselves on the use of inclusive and gender-neutral language and thinking. Or get out and let capable people run the country.

Anonymous 24134: First, there was the health minister who did not know much about science and health, dispensing advice that could seriously impact our health.

Now we have a women and family minister who has no idea how to advance women's rights, who is instead advocating women to regress to 50 years ago.

What a bunch of jokers. Former education minister Maszlee Malik now looks like an absolute genius in comparison.

Maybe after this, she will be like the health minister, and go MIA (missing in action) so we won't have to contend with any more nonsense for a while.

Anonymous_154763: Sometimes, I really wonder whether it is each ministries’ portfolio to trigger Malaysians.

Last time, it was “tanam kangkung” (plant water spinach), then it’s “minum air suam” (drink warm water). Now you want to annoy feminists? Will there be a Ministry of Men asking husbands to act like Ultraman?

I'm disappointed there was no guideline for husbands on how they can help out at home. Tesco definitely did better with their "Vegetable Buying Guide for Husbands".

Anonymous_0e436: Minister Rina Harun, do you have any advice for the man in the house too? Advise them not to wear pyjamas and laze on the couch and watch TV all day maybe?

Quigonbond: Yet another civil servant asked to bite the bullet on behalf of its ministers. We've never seen such stupidity and insensitivity until now. Are we to expect that this is the work of bureaucrats?

The civil service should ensure that some of these ministers and politicians do not receive their votes in the next election.

We Live In Interesting Times: A friend came to my house and at some point I excused myself to wash the dishes. He was perplexed and said he was glad I help my wife. He said he doesn’t do the same because he does not get praised for “helping” her.

I explained that I did not “help” my wife as she does not need a “helper”; what she needs is a partner. I am not a help at home, I am part of the house and it is my responsibility to do as many chores and child-caring duties as my wife. No one needs to be praised for doing the right thing.

The real change of our society begins in our homes, let us teach our sons and daughters the real sense of partnership. 

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