KOTA KINABALU: Two new Puspanita branches will be established in Sabah this year.
According to Sabah Puspanita chairwoman Datin Hairani Hussaini, the Putatan District Office and the Tungku Sub-District Office have each voiced their interest to set up a branch in their areas and their applications are under consideration.
Currently, the association has 27 branches with 5,745 members statewide.
“We would like to encourage more government staff and their wives to join us in line with the aim to enhance the rapport among them,” she said during a get-together with the association’s patron, Sabah Chief Minister’s wife Datin Seri Faridah Tussin here yesterday.
She said in the last 28 years of its inception, Puspanita had achieved several successes and Hairani attributed this to the commitment and hardwork of all members.
“At the state level, for instance, we have created 15 committees to carry out activities covering religions, education, sports, welfare, handicrafts and many others which would help develop and enhance the members’ skills and knowledge. On average, we conduct at least 30 activities annually,” she said.
Hairani also said beginning this year, the Wisma Puspanita had been adopted by the City Hall to manage its landscapes and cleanliness.
“We are also starting to publish bulletins this year which would showcase our activities, be it in the state, district or sub-district levels. It is hoped that the bulletin will continue and be used as references in the future,” she said.
Faridah said Puspanita can be partners with the government bodies towards enhancing women’s skills and knowledge, in line with the state’s development.
The Puspanita patron also complimented the association members, some of whom are working mothers.
“You have to juggle between work as a wife and mother, and social activities. And that does not stop you from giving your commitment to Puspanita which has brought it to greater heights,” she said.
She said that with the strength it has, it can be a role model to other associations.
“It is my hope that Puspanita will continue to grow and serve its members as well as women in general.
“Women play an important role in nation-building. Therefore, focus is given to women in contributing towards the economic and social development,” she said.