Musa (4th left) joined by Faridah (3rd left), Dr Yee (3rd right),
Edward (right), Khoo (2nd right), Sari Nuar (centre)
and Agnes (2nd left) in cutting the cake in conjunction
KOTA KINABALU: The government is committed to the advancement of women and this is evident in many of its policies over the last two decades.
For example, in 1985 Malaysia formulated the National Policy on Women as a guide for women’s participation in the development process and this has helped in enhancing quality of life through education and poverty eradication.
And, today, the federal Ministry of Women and Family Development has been given a mandate to address issues affecting women and to uplift their stature.
This and other steps appear to have made a difference. The Malaysian Gender Gap Index, jointly developed by the United Nations Development Programme and the Malaysian government, revealed that the country’s gender gap narrowed from 0.34 (with 1 being the highest) in 1980, to 0.24 in 2004.
“We have been serious about creating equal opportunities for every Malaysian in contributing their talents and experiences to challenges facing our country,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said in his speech at the 100th year anniversary of the International Women’s Day and Parents Day Night here last night.
Currently women make up 47 per cent of the Malaysian workforce, as compared to 30.8 per cent in 2000. Unfortunately, in the employment sector, women are still often paid less compared to men for similar jobs, and this contributes to the fact that poverty among female-led households is still rampant.
Musa who is also Finance Minister said while there is a relative balance between the number of males and females in our population, women make up an average of only 14 per cent of major decision makers in Malaysia’s public and private sectors.
“With such glaring statistics, I assure you that the government will continue to support greater gender equality in the country, by providing a healthy environment for the advancement of women in both national and international arenas,” he added.
By 2015, he said, the government hopes the number of women in the workforce would increase to 55 per cent.
Better access to higher learning is helping to empower a larger percentage of females, and more are seen moving into higher-paying jobs.
“This comes with the need to balance both work and family responsibilities. Flexible working hours is one of several issues discussed at Strategic Reforms Initiatives laboratories, aimed at encouraging more women to take part in the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).
“And, while in some countries women are still looked upon as second-class citizens, I am glad that in Malaysia, this is not the case.
It is fitting that we take the opportunity to celebrate the countless achievements of women in Malaysia. In today’s world, women are considered co-developers of a nation and achieving gender equality is necessary in the social, economic and political spheres.
“I say this not because I am a man addressing a sea of very enthusiastic women, and realise that I am quite out-numbered tonight. But, rather I say this from my years of observations working and dealing with women from all aspects of my life as a leader, a politician, a husband and as a father.
“Your role in nation building and your increasing participation in government and politics will positively help shape the course that Malaysia takes,” the Chief Minister said.
Musa also hoped to see increased representation of women from Sabah in business as they have proven to be good money managers and are generally better at repaying loans, hence making them successful when they venture into business.
Worldwide, he said women are also responsible for 70 per cent of business start-ups.
And, in the area of politics and government, he said there are a lot of very energetic and capable women out there.
“In Sabah, the women are just as able and have demonstrated their ability to play a leading role. We have a number of women elected representatives and women holding senior government posts and even a full woman minister,” he said.
Musa added that he is also happy to note there are successful business women in the fields of property, hospitality, wellness and pharmacetical.
“It should also be noted that a number of women have taken leading role in NGOs, professional and charitable organisations. These achievements are a reflection of how much women have progressed and the state government’s endorsement of their contribution to society at large.
“It is safe to say that we should not misjudge the power of women in whatever they pursue. Women, not only are good financial managers, but they also have tremendous organisation skills and acute powers of persuasion.
“Their innate multitasking talents demand respect. I would like to take this opportunity to call on women-led organisations to also play a greater role in society by reaching out to those in rural areas who may need guidance in becoming effective players in the mainstream of development.
“And, I hope you will also offer help to women and children who fall victim to domestic abuse and other forms of violence, including the trafficking of persons.” Musa added.
Meanwhile, he also expressed the hope that mothers and parents in general would continue to inculcate good values in their children, and guide them to become well-rounded and educated citizens.
“Mothers do a good job of instilling positive traits such as hard work, honesty and the importance of respecting fellow citizens in our multi-racial nation. It is my hope that as mothers you will also impart the values of respecting the elderly and empathy for the less fortunate.
“Having said this, I am also confident that women will continue to help enhance unity in the nation,” he said.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the Women’s Bureau of the Federation of Sabah Chinese Association (FSCA) under its chairperson Datuk Agnes Shim for organising this event.
And last night, Musa also announced that as a show of support, the state government would gladly allocate RM100, 000 to sponsor this event.
Also present last night were the Chief Minister’s wife Datin Seri Hajah Faridah Haji Tussin, Resource Development and IT Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, Assistant Ministers Datuk Edward Yong and Datuk Edward Khoo, FSCA president Datuk Sari Nuar and Agnes.
