Men who do housework are not 'pondans', says Chef Wan

"The stigma among Malaysians that men who do women's work at home are like "pondans" (transsexuals) should be eradicated as it can have a negative effect on the family institution," said cooking expert Datuk Redzuawan Ismail.

Redzuan, who is better known as Chef Wan, said the perception was common in Malaysia because of the huge ego among men, especially Malays, who view housework as effeminate.

"Men who do housework are not necessarily weak and soft. They do it to help their wives who are probably tired after working in the office.

"However, in our society, the perception still exists but not in the West," he told Bernama.

He was speaking to reporters after appearing as a panellist in the discussion "Re-defining Masculinity" held in conjunction with "The Woman Extraordinaire Forum 2014" here Wednesday.

Chef Wan said men, husbands and fathers, as well as the head of the household, should show a good example to the children by helping in any way possible in the house.

"In fact, from my own experience, I find that when you do housework, it not only lightens the burden, but is also a healthy activity," he said.

Meanwhile, fashion designer Bon Zainal Harun said a man's pride and image would not be affected by helping the wife do housework, including washing the dishes and clothes during his free time.

"It is not just housework, but if the man is involved in women's fields like fashion and cooking, he would also be labeled effeminate or different.

"This should not happen as it could curb an individual, especially men, to become involved in an area he likes," he said.

The one-hour discussion which centred around the public's stereotype about the present-day role of men in the home also involved SEGi Group Executive Director Kim Odhner as a panelist.

Brandt International Sdn Bhd founder Munirah Looi was the moderator.