The revelations regarding the private affairs of Selangor Exco Elizabeth Wong and the ugly manner in which it has been hijacked by some parts of the media and political parties have raised many questions. For example:

"Was it right for her to be shamed in this manner?"

"Would it be different if this happened to a male politician?"

"Should she resign?"

"Are we being hypocritical for judging her?"

Beyond the immediate fallout of this episode on the personal lives of those involved and the political landscape in the state, the surrounding events are symptomatic of an underlying dysfunctionality in how our society deals with issues of gender and morality, especially when it involves someone in the public eye.  Sadly, this deficiency in our mindset has allowed "gutter politics" to go on an unbridled rampage, to the shame of all Malaysians. 

Whilst there has not been a shortage of expressions of outrage and disgust, there is an urgent need for a more considered response that brings together a wider range of perspectives.  As we approach International Women’s Day, join us for a conversation on these issues, which brings together perspectives of faith, gender studies, human rights and morality.  

Date:            Saturday,7th March 2009

Time:            2.30pm – 4.30pm

Venue:          Bangsar Lutheran Church

                      23 Jalan Abdullah off Jalan Bangsar

                      Kuala Lumpur

Programme:

2.30pm  Opening remarks by Rev. Sivin Kit of Bangsar Lutheran Church

2.40pm  Presentations by speakers:

Masjaliza Hamzah

Programme Manager, Sisters-In-Islam

Dr Sharon Bong

Senior Lecturer in Gender and Creative Writing, Monash University

Andrew Khoo

Malaysian Bar Council Human Rights Committee

Irene Fernandez

Director, Tenaganita

3.40pm  Conversation between speakers and participants

4.20pm  Closing remarks by Fr. Jojo Fung of RoH Malaysia

4.30pm  Refreshments

This event is free-of-charge but registration is required.  For registration and enquiries, please contact Yoon Yew Khuen (yewkhuen@gmail.com).

Organised by: Friends-In-Conversation, RoH Malaysia and The Micah Mandate

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About Friends-In-Conversation

Friends-In-Conversation is a friendship of followers of Jesus who are committed to creating a space where conversations about faith convictions lead to the enrichment of all spheres of personal, social and national life.  We are also in friendship and conversation with people of other faiths, to deepen mutual understanding and appreciation, as a foundation for constructive partnerships in a pluralistic society.  We believe that creating a space for such conversations requires the firm foundation of friendship – hence the importance of trust, humility, generosity, affirming speech and emphatic listening in all our engagements.

About RoH Malaysia

RoH Malaysia is an ecumenical group of Christian theologians, clergymen, social scientists and activists which aims to encourage and empower Christians for creative theological reflection and societal involvement. RoH is an acronym for Revolution of Hope. Roh is also a Malay word which means "spirit" and shares etymological roots with the Biblical word for God’s Spirit which hovered over the world during its creation, and is now in us, amongst us, and is all in all through the Resurrection.

About The Micah Mandate

The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy group that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.