POLYGAMY CLUB

Plans to open branches of a Malaysian “Polygamy Club” in Indonesia have upset women’s groups and religious leaders in the world’s most populous Muslim nation, who say the search for multiple wives should be handled privately – not by a matchmaking service. The club claims a noble aim of helping single mothers, reformed prostitutes and women who feel they are past marrying age. It also offers counselling to people facing problems in polygamous households. The Malaysian owners say they want to “change people’s perception about polygamy, so that they will see it as a beautiful rather than abhorrent practice.” Club’s chairwoman Hatijah Binti Am introduced it as members from around 30 families attended a gathering in Bandung, west Java, for the opening of the first Indonesian branch. Others will soon be added, including in the capital, Jakarta, said spokeswoman Rohaya Mohamad.