DAP women’s wing Assistant Publicity Secretary Syerleena Abdul Rashid said the Islamic party’s statement, made on International Women’s Day today, showed they were being sexist and discriminating.

“The statement made by Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali At-Takiri (Ulama information chief) oozes misogyny.

“The fact that such a suggestion was made on International Women’s Day is mean-spirited and disrespectful to every women out there,” she told FMT.

She refuted Khairuddin’s argument that women should stay at home to provide room and space for each couple so that the family institution could be restored.

“There are other factors that cause a family’s breakdown.”

Syerleena, who is also a councillor with Penang City Council, said couples should bear the responsibility of maintaining the family institution.

“Parenting responsibilities should also be equally shared by both parents. After all, this is the 21st century.”

She said the “blame women game” showed a worrying trend because people were accustomed to this sort of patriarchal mindset.

“This is a worrying trend because of how patriarchal values have seeped into our society and such opinions have become somewhat accepted.”

PAS’ ulama wing, in a statement, had called on women to fulfil their true duties at home so that they could “restore” broken families.