DAP Reaffirms Commitment to Field 30 Per Cent Women Candidates in GE16

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 6 — DAP has reaffirmed its commitment to fielding at least 30 per cent women candidates in the 16th General Election (GE16) as part of broader initiatives to strengthen gender equality and women’s political participation.

Speaking when officiating the DAP National Wanita Congress 2026 today, DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke emphasized that the women’s empowerment agenda must be embraced across all levels of leadership and not left solely to the party’s Wanita wing.

Loke expressed confidence that the party will meet its target for the upcoming general election, noting that the policy was formally established during the party’s 2023 National Congress.

“At the 2023 National Congress, I made clear the party’s commitment to field at least 30 per cent women candidates in PRU16. We are confident of reaching that target. We must continue with our progressive policies, actions, and initiatives,” Loke said.

At the same congress, DAP Wanita Chief Teo Nie Ching proposed establishing an incentive fund for female political representatives to encourage greater female participation in national politics. The proposal includes one-off campaign financing and annual allocations to political parties tied directly to the number and percentage of elected female representatives.

Teo added that DAP’s Central Executive Committee also suggested urging the federal government to table a comprehensive gender parity bill, citing the need for systemic measures as female parliamentary representation fell to 13.51 per cent in GE15, down from 14.86 per cent in 2018.

“How much longer must we wait before we see women Members of Parliament in Malaysia reach at least 30 per cent?” Teo asked.

–NMT