KOTA KINABALU: Newly appointed Sabah Attorney General Datuk Mariati Robert believes that she has ‘returned home’ to the civil service.
“I left the government sector over three decades ago to pursue my own practice, but now it feels like coming home … I have to go back to square one, a refresher course, as I have to learn the nature of the job and my roles,” Mariati told the Borneo Post when contacted yesterday.
She graduated with a Law degree from the University of Malaya in 1977 and was attached to the Attorney General’s Chambers as Deputy Public Prosecutor and Assistant Director of the Legal Aid Bureau (Sabah Branch). She quit six years later to set up her own practice.
“I must say that I have never dreamed of this position before, but it is a real honour to be appointed as the State Attorney General. It shows that the Chief Minister has confidence in me, and that we, women, deserve such posts based on merit, qualification, experience and capability.
“My appointment is a recognition to all women, and I hope that it would motivate and inspire young women lawyers that they too can be where I am today. This is a challenge from me to them,” she said.
Mariati’s appointment marks a significant milestone as the 60-year-old is the second woman to be appointed as the Attorney General after 46 years.
In 1968, Kinny Li Yun Ken was appointed as the first woman State Attorney General.
While Mariati is set to take on the new role, she also hopes to find time and carry on with her work to fight for women’s cause through her involvement in the Sabah Women Advisory Council (SWAC), where she holds the chairman’s post for two terms.
“I intend to continue with SWAC if I can balance out my time. I had more time before as I was doing my own practice. I may not have that much free time now but I will try to adjust (my time) so I can continue serving in the Council,” said Mariati.
Her appointment took effect from August 1, taking over from the outgoing State Attorney General, Datuk Roderic Fernandes.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the appointment of Mariati marked a significant milestone.
Musa said the appointment could be credited to Mariati’s qualification and legal background, having been in the field for more than 35 Years.
“She is also active in various causes, especially women’s and was chairman of the Sabah Women Advisory for two terms.
“The State Government hence recognises women’s roles and contributions to society and has every confidence in their ability to hold high posts in government,” said the Chief Minister.
Musa added he believes women do deserve such posts based on merit and their qualification, experience and capability.
This is evident in the number of women holding and managing high positions in government.
“We have a full woman minister and two assistant ministers. We have permanent secretaries and heads of GLCs (government-linked companies) that are women.
“The State Treasurer is a woman and today once again we have a woman AG.
I also wish to take this opportunity to thank Datuk Roderic for his impeccable service as AG to the state. I wish him all the best,” he said.