SANDAKAN: Sexist cartoon allegedly drawn by a secondary school teacher has sparked criticism from Sandakan MP Vivian Wong.
Wong said women must never be demeaned or judged based on their marital or pregnancy status.
“As a woman leader, I am proud of who I am. But when someone humiliates married or pregnant women by implying they cannot perform, I will not stay silent,” she said on Facebook, Thursday.
“The cartoon shows a heavily pregnant woman saying “Sorry… I am about to give birth.” A group of exaggerated and panicked characters then shout “No! Both our state assemblyman and MP will not be around!”
The illustration suggests that pregnancy would prevent a woman from fulfilling her duties.
Wong described the use of caricature and stereotypes as demeaning and outdated.
Wong, who is Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for Elopura, said women have consistently demonstrated strong leadership and resilience, and should not be undermined by assumptions that marriage or pregnancy makes them unfit for public service.
She said the issue was not about personal offence, even though she had previously been the subject of insulting caricatures.
“This time is different. This artwork is not only directed at me. It insults all women, especially those in Sandakan and Sabah,” she said.
She added that what concerned her most was the possibility that the cartoon was produced by an educator.
“If this artwork really came from a teacher, then I worry about the mindset being passed on to students, especially young girls who have the potential to become future leaders,” she said.
Wong said she chose to speak up because such attitudes should never be allowed to become normal.
“I am standing firm not for myself but for every woman who has ever been underestimated,” she said.
