Press statement by Teresa Kok, Senior Exco of Selangor, State Assemblyman for Kinrara, Member of Parliament for Seputeh and Vice Chairperson of Democratic Action Party on 20th December, 2012, at Shah Alam
I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the newly elected President of South Korea, Park Geun-hye, the first woman President of South Korea.
The election of Park is most meaningful to the East Asian countries, where women have always been regarded as second class citizens. Her victory is a big encouragement, not only to the women of Korea, but also to women in the Asian region in general.
This was not Park Geun-hye’s first attempt contesting in the Korean general elections. She previously failed, but she persevered. It has been a long, winding road of struggle and her victory was achieved because of her tireless attempts.
I hope Park’s victory will help to elevate the status of women in East Asian countries, as well as to encourage more women to participate in the social and political arena in order to build a gender-balanced society.
– Teresa Kok –