Ex-MAS stewardess Beatrice Fernandez, who had served MAS for 11 years, was terminated by the national carrier in 1991 after she refused to resign for becoming pregnant.

On Friday, the Federal Court dismissed Fernandez’s application to appeal against various provisions in the Collective Agreement (CA) with the MAS. Back then, she lost her appeal in 2004.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said that MAS’s maternity policy is not in tandem with the spirit in Article (8)2 of Federal Constitution and already violated women rights. Quote:

“Although when women sign up as stewardesses they agree to have only two babies and retire at 45, it is archaic to stop them from having the number of babies they want as well as to tell them that they cannot function after 45.” […]

“Women shouldn’t be treated like objects and there cannot be different retirement ages for men and women.”

I want everyone to take a look at Article 11.2(a) of the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, very clearly stated that there must be no discrimination against women on the grounds of marriage or maternity and to ensure their effective right to work.

I feel sick to read this fuss. Discrimination towards women prenancy’s right still exist in Malaysia, worse it happended to be at national courier.

What irritate me the most is, if it’s against the Federal Constitution, why is it this rule still eligible to appear in the agreement to be signed by stewardess?

OK, to be fair, Article 8(2) was amended by Parliament after 2001, it shouldn’t to be seen on those papers anymore.

But then again, my question, why Minister still need to sit down, discuss and compromise while it’s already 4 years post-amendment?

This is intolerable!

What say you now, Datuk?

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