In a recent parliamentary session, the Deputy President of Party Islam se-Malaysia (PAS), Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, raised eyebrows when he suggested polygamy as a potential solution to what he deemed the “issue” of a high number of unmarried women in Malaysia.
Acknowledging the sensitivity surrounding polygamy in Malaysia, Tuan Ibrahim expressed that broaching the subject felt akin to committing a crime in today’s societal context. Despite the taboo, he asserted that if a man was capable, qualified, and fair, moral support for polygamy should be extended.
Statistics Without Source
Tuan Ibrahim, without citing a source, claimed that there were over 8.4 million unmarried women in Malaysia, a staggering number considering the country’s population hovers around 33 million. He emphasized his intent to explore solutions rather than provoke, stating that some government members would rally behind his proposal.
Legal Landscape
Importantly, Tuan Ibrahim clarified that polygamy is not illegal in Malaysia, and he made no suggestion that it should be deemed unlawful. However, his proposal triggered an unexpected interjection from a Barisan Nasional MP, injecting humor into the serious discussion by questioning Tuan Ibrahim’s marital status.
Personal Anecdote
Amid laughter in the parliamentary chambers, Tuan Ibrahim revealed having one wife but humorously declared having “three more empty spots,” playfully expressing openness to additional marriages in the future.
Recurrence of the Polygamy Discourse
This parliamentary session marked the second instance within a week where polygamy emerged as a topic of discussion. Earlier, opposition Bersatu MP Nordin Ahmad Ismail incorporated the theme into a traditional Malay poem, adding a touch of cultural flair to the debate.
Rebukes and Criticisms
Despite the lighthearted moments, the polygamy proposal faced stern criticism. DAP MP Yeo Bee Yin condemned Tuan Ibrahim, labeling his statement as impolite and sexist. She emphasized that suggesting polygamy hurt the sentiments of women and wives both within and outside the Dewan Rakyat.
Defiance and Repercussions
Perbahasan peruntukan @KPWKM. Ahli Parlimen PAS cadang poligami untuk selesai masalah wanita lambat kahwin😳😳. Yang Berhormat, pendapat saya lambat kahwin bukan satu masalah yang perlu diselesaikan. Apa guna kahwin tapi diabaikan? Jodoh datang tak mengenal masa. pic.twitter.com/sNPuG5y04A
— Hannah Yeoh (@hannahyeoh) November 22, 2023
Despite the rebukes, Tuan Ibrahim stood firm and refused to retract his statement. His suggestion that singlehood among women was problematic was met with further opposition, with Yeo Bee Yin asserting that every woman has the right to make personal choices regarding their marital status.
Biting Responses
The controversy took a more serious turn when DAP MP and Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Teo Nie Ching voiced her strong disapproval. Teo criticized the Perikatan Nasional bloc for “frivolously parading” polygamy while neglecting pressing domestic issues such as divorce and alimony concerns.
Conclusion: A Divisive Proposal
In the wake of Tuan Ibrahim’s polygamy proposal, Malaysian parliamentarians find themselves entangled in a heated debate. As the discussion unfolds, it remains to be seen how the nation will navigate the delicate balance between tradition, personal choice, and evolving societal norms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is polygamy legal in Malaysia?
A: Yes, polygamy is legal in Malaysia, and there is no current suggestion to make it illegal.
Q2: What was the context of Tuan Ibrahim’s proposal?
A: Tuan Ibrahim proposed polygamy as a solution to the perceived high number of unmarried women in Malaysia during a parliamentary session.
Q3: How did other MPs respond to Tuan Ibrahim’s suggestion?
A: Responses varied, with some MPs finding humor in the proposal, while others, like DAP MP Yeo Bee Yin, strongly criticized it.
Q4: What was the reaction on social media?
A: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh expressed her disagreement on social media, emphasizing that marrying late is a personal choice and not a problem to be solved.
Q5: Did Tuan Ibrahim retract his statement?
A: No, despite criticism, Tuan Ibrahim declined to retract his statement, maintaining his position on polygamy.