KUCHING: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry hope to see at least 30 per cent of those holding decision-making positions at both government and private sectors in Sarawak are women.
Its Minister Senator Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said she believed this target could be achieved in the forseeable future because of the strength of women in the state and the existing government policies on women leaders.
The fact that Datin Fatimah Abdullah is a Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department represented a clear testimony that this scenario is possible, she said.
“We hoped that through the Chief Minister’s leadership, more important decision-making positions would be given to the women, be it in the government or the private sectors, in Sarawak,” she said.
Shahrizat, who is also the UMNO Wanita chief, said this at the Women and Family Development Council (MPWK) ‘Majlis Jalinan Mesra’ dinner here on Tuesday.
“For Sarawak, it is very important for us to give extra focus on women’s development. My Ministry will collaborate with the state Welfare Department and come out with programmes to strengthen women, especially in the area of management.”
The dinner saw MPWK presenting grants totalling RM330,000 to 33 non governmental organisations (NGOs) and charitable bodies.
Shahrizat also announced an allocation of RM10,000 for every elected people’s representative in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to run programmes for its target group.
Touching on the BN Women’s Humanitarian Fund to help the recent earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan, she said the fund had thus far raised RM61,680.
Shahrizat hoped that it could hit the RM200,000 mark statewide in two weeks time.
She added that donations could be made through MPWK’s branches throughout the nation.
On another matter, Shahrizat highlighted that the BN women machinery nationwide would continue to work together for the benefit of all.
“Investing in women is smart economics and a good move that further show your fantastic qualities. Considering that the state election is near, all the men should collaborate closely with women. The women BN machinery throughout Malaysia will be with you, Sir!” she said to Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Also present were Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Alfred Jabu Numpang and wife Dato Sri Empiang Jabu, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development Chief Secretary Datuk Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nor.