DESPITE their intention to curb social illnesses, The Obedient Wives Club has received the thumbs-down from women representatives, as well as an Islamic scholar.
They felt the approach of the club — seeking to promote wives’ submissiveness as well prowess in the bedroom to stop husbands from engaging in illicit activities — as degrading.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin said: “Their objectives might be right but their approach is narrow-minded. They are imposing the burden on women as the only responsible party in marriage.
"They should instead uphold fairness for both parties.”
The Ampang MP pointed out the basic teachings of Islam was fairness to all and, as such, the club's calls for wives to be submissive to their husbands was out of context in today’s reality where women play a bigger role in society.
Women's Development Collective executive director Maria Chin Abdullah was also disappointed by the club's formation, stating it was unbelievable for women to be confined to that kind of thinking.
“What message is this club is trying to send to young ones? That women are only good for sex? This club is merely promoting inequalities between men and women, husbands and wives.”
Expressing her embarrassment at yet another defamatory statement regarding women that has grabbed the world’s attention, Maria thinks such reports tarnish the country’s reputation, especially on women’s rights issues.
Islamic scholar and ex-Perak Mufti Dr Asri Zainal Abidin doubts the formation of the club would serve any real purpose.
“I hope these women will not fall prey to any hidden agendas. I am worried the club could create more unfair treatment to women in the name of them being obedient.”
Dr Asri questioned the purpose for the club's existence and refused to comment on its mission until there were visible results of their efforts.
Asked about the sex lessons offered to members, he said there was no need to form such a club to achieve that mission when women can engage in appropriate courses or seek professional advice on the matter.
The club was founded by the Global Ikhwan group, which launched a Polygamy Club two years ago. Global Ikhwan comprises former members of the banned Al-Arqam Islamic group.
They felt the approach of the club — seeking to promote wives’ submissiveness as well prowess in the bedroom to stop husbands from engaging in illicit activities — as degrading.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin said: “Their objectives might be right but their approach is narrow-minded. They are imposing the burden on women as the only responsible party in marriage.
"They should instead uphold fairness for both parties.”
The Ampang MP pointed out the basic teachings of Islam was fairness to all and, as such, the club's calls for wives to be submissive to their husbands was out of context in today’s reality where women play a bigger role in society.
Women's Development Collective executive director Maria Chin Abdullah was also disappointed by the club's formation, stating it was unbelievable for women to be confined to that kind of thinking.
“What message is this club is trying to send to young ones? That women are only good for sex? This club is merely promoting inequalities between men and women, husbands and wives.”
Expressing her embarrassment at yet another defamatory statement regarding women that has grabbed the world’s attention, Maria thinks such reports tarnish the country’s reputation, especially on women’s rights issues.
“I hope these women will not fall prey to any hidden agendas. I am worried the club could create more unfair treatment to women in the name of them being obedient.”
Dr Asri questioned the purpose for the club's existence and refused to comment on its mission until there were visible results of their efforts.
Asked about the sex lessons offered to members, he said there was no need to form such a club to achieve that mission when women can engage in appropriate courses or seek professional advice on the matter.
The club was founded by the Global Ikhwan group, which launched a Polygamy Club two years ago. Global Ikhwan comprises former members of the banned Al-Arqam Islamic group.
