KUCHING: Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Fatimah Abdullah has described the conferment of the `Panglima Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang’ (PGBK) award, which carries the title `Datuk’, on her yesterday as the state government’s recognition of women’s contributions.
STATE HONOUR: Fatimah and husband Datu Dr Adi Badiozaman Tuah show her award medal for Panglima Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang, which carries the title ‘Datuk’.
“On behalf of all women in Sarawak, I thank the Head of State (Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhamad Salahuddin) and the Chief Minister (Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud) as this is an honour for not only me but also all Sarawakian women.
“To me, it is an appreciation by the state government for all the contributions made by women, be they in politics, social and civil services,” she told reporters after the investiture at the State Legislative Assembly complex here yesterday.
Fatimah pointed out that Sarawakian women shared similar motivations as their male counterparts to heighten national development and preserve social harmony.
Also a recipient in the same category was Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais.
Naroden shared the credit with his constituents, while extending his gratitude to Salahuddin and Taib for the title.
“I am glad to have been bestowed the title. To me, it is an honour not only for myself but also for the whole Simunjan area, especially my supporters who worked very hard. Because of them, I am given this ‘Datuk’ Award.”
Meanwhile, Kapitan Dato Janet Lau, who was conferred the Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak (PSBS), which carries the title ‘Dato’, said she accepted the honour with humility.
“Of course, I thank the state government for conferring the award. It is a great honour,” she added.