Projek30% Campaign

About Projek30% 

 

Projek30% is a collaboration between Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Wanita (EMPOWER) and AWL. It was formally launched in November 2024 at a conference organised by EMPOWER, and is a 2-pronged campaign:

(i) to call on all political parties to field a minimum of 30% women candidates starting with GE16; and
(ii) to advocate for the passage of the Gender Parity in Political Representation Act (GPPRA) — a legislation that would make the 30% floor enforceable and permanent.

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Projek30% is supported by the Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG), CSO Platform for Reform, and BERSIH. 

 

The Problem 

 

Malaysia's political landscape does not reflect the composition of its people. Despite women making up half the population and the electorate, women remain severely underrepresented in Parliament, state assemblies, and Cabinet — a gap that has persisted across every general election.

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As of 2026, there are: 

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• 13.5% women in Dewan Rakyat; and

• 12% women in state legislative assemblies (Dewan Undangan Negeri). 

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Legislative reform that encourages, drives and better still, mandates a minimum percentage of women candidate nominations is timely and crucial as:

i) the inclusion of women in political parties on a voluntary basis has not resulted in uniform nor consistent application of measures to increase visibility and participation by women to be put forward as candidates in state and federal elections;

ii) it is a necessary tool to overcome the inherent societal barriers that discourages women’s representation in party decision making and electoral candidacy such as arbitrary gender roles, male dominance and gender stereotyping; and

iii) to overcome the systemic and institutional barriers preventing equal women’s participation in politics.

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Democracy in action is where the rakyat, regardless of gender, are provided an equal voice in shaping the decisions that affect the whole of Malaysian society. Having women be equitably represented in our legislature will not just effect substantive change in health, education, and social services, but also the economy as a whole. 

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Campaign to date

 

Since its launch in November 2024, Projek30% has grown into one of the most visible gender equality campaigns ahead of GE16. AWL has contributed to public education and outreach efforts through social media advocacy, coalition coordination, and direct engagement with Members of Parliament, political parties and other key stakeholders.

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GPPRA Formal Launch and Forum: 27 February 2026

 

On 27 February 2026, AWL and EMPOWER jointly launched the proposed GPPRA, also known as the Akta Projek30%, at a public forum in Kuala Lumpur.

 

AWL's Project Co-Lead, Daniella Zulkifili, presented the proposed Act alongside EMPOWER Executive Director, Gopalan-K Papachan. The forum featured a panel discussion with YB Rodziah Ismail (MP Ampang), YB Wong Shu Qi (MP Kluang), Ainie Haziqah, Secretary General of MUDA and Dr. Syaza Shukri, Associate Professor at IIUM, on the urgency of legislative reform, and this discussion was moderated by Melisa Idris of Astro Awani.

 

Projek30% has committed to submitting a memorandum and the full draft Act to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

 

See Press Report: Malaysiakini, 2 March 2026

 

Projek30% is a live, active campaign. Updates on coalition activities, events, and progress toward the 30% target will be posted on AWL's social media channels.

 

AWL Project Leads: Daniella Zulkifili and Azira Zainal 

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How to get involved

 

Members who want to contribute to Projek30% — whether through advocacy, public education, parliamentary outreach, or coalition engagement — are welcome to contact AWL's Project Leads.