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Sandakan member of parliament (MP) Vivian Wong Shir Yee has called out a teacher and Chinese ink painter for drawing a gag panel that insults pregnant women
In a Facebook post today, 26 November, Wong said the satirical comic is not just an insult to her, but to all women, especially those from Sandakan and Sabah.
The comic, allegedly created by a secondary school teacher, suggested that a pregnant representative would not be around to serve the people.
Wong said that while she has been the subject of political satirical comics before, the artpiece crosses the line.
"I am a female leader, and I am proud of it.
"But I will not remain silent when someone shames married or pregnant women, implying that they are unfit for their jobs," she wrote.
Wong stressed that women, including mothers and expectant women, have proven their capabilities on both national and global stages.
"How many female MPs, ministers, and even prime ministers around the world have proven that women are equally capable of excellent leadership?" she asked, adding that Sandakan itself has many outstanding women serving the people every single day.
Wong added that what worries her the most about the comic is that it is believed to be drawn by an educator
"I fear that this mindset will influence students, particularly young girls who have the potential to become future leaders of our nation.
"I choose to speak out because we cannot allow this kind of mentality to be normalised.
"Women deserve respect. Women are capable of leading. Women are not weak, and they must never be belittled simply because they are married or pregnant," she wrote.
At the time of writing, Deputy Communication Minister Teo Nie Ching and Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister have responded to Wong's post, criticising the artwork.
SAYS has contacted the alleged comic artist for comment and to confirm whether he is the one behind the drawing.
