KUALA LUMPUR – In a recent development, Dato Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (Perikatan Nasional-Kubang Kerian), a prominent leader from political party PAS, has suggested that the government should offer moral support for men capable of entering polygamous marriages.
Tuan Ibrahim believes that this practice could be a solution for the significant number of unmarried women over the age of 30 in the country.
Citing the 2010 Malaysia population census report, Tuan Ibrahim noted that 5.56 million Malaysians above the age of 30 had chosen to either marry late, postpone marriage, or remain unmarried.
Among this group, 4.8 million were women. The primary reasons for their decisions were financial problems, lack of suitable prospects, and career considerations.
Addressing the sensitive issue of polygamy, Tuan Ibrahim called for rational discourse and suggested that the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry provide moral support to individuals capable of entering polygamous marriages, emphasizing fairness in such unions.
He said this when debating the Budget 2024 at the committee stage for the ministry.
He also expressed concern over the societal sensitivity surrounding the topic of polygamy, noting that discussions often face strong opposition.
Tuan Ibrahim acknowledged that polygamy might not be the ultimate solution to the issue but argued that it could offer an alternative for women seeking marriage.
He urged the government to consider his proposal as a potential avenue for addressing the challenges faced by a significant number of unmarried women in the country.
