KOTA KINABALU: The construction of Wisma Bakisa (Badan Amal dan Kebajikan Isteri Wakil-Wakil Rakyat Sabah) reflects the high regard the state government has for women folk in Sabah.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman also said that the state government was always supportive of all welfare organisations in the state including Bakisa.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony in Tanjung Aru here yesterday, Musa added that Wisma Bakisa compliments the role of women’s institution in the state.
“This is part of the Government’s agenda in all its development programs,” he said adding that the existence of Wisma Puspanita and Wisma Wanita had allowed the women folk to move forward on their own capacity and responsibility.
Musa also advised Bakisa members to organise their own programmes and not just to merely accompany their husbands to their functions.
As wives of elected representatives, Bakisa members are role models to women in the state, he stressed.
Speaking to reporters later, Musa said the one acre land where Wisma Bakisa will be built belongs to the Government.
“We estimate that the building will cost between RM5 million to RM8 million. It is expected to be completed in about 20 months from the commencement date,” he said adding that the tender for the construction work will be out soon.
The State Government will also partly finance the construction cost while Bakisa will raise funds for the building.
To the question as to how much the Government will finance the building, Musa replied, “maybe one to one … we are not sure yet. It will be decided by the Cabinet.”
On the design of the building, Musa disclosed that it would include three badminton courts so that Bakisa members can have intensive training at the premises.
“Bakisa members have been the champions in badminton in the annual Barisan Nasional (BN) elected representatives wives’ sports meet. Alternatively, Bakisa can rent out the courts to the public,” he said.
Earlier, Bakisa chief Datin Seri Faridah Tussin in her speech said that the ground breaking ceremony was a historical event.
“With its own building, Bakisa will be able to stand out among the people in Sabah,” she said.