Jamilah (right) receiving a souvenir from Chong at the dinner on Friday night. — Photo by Chai Boon Tart
KUCHING: It’s imperative for women to have the ‘sisterhood’ mindset in facing challenges in life, said the Chief Minister’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu.
“As women, we understand the challenges women face – be it as a mother, wife or even those in the employment world and these challenges are no small matter.
“As such, it is important to have the sisterhood mindset by doing our part in supporting each other and assisting ‘sisters’ in need.
“I urge all women to continuously empower ourselves through training and development initiatives and maintain solidarity among all,” she said prior to officiating at the ‘Wanita Bersatu Teguh’ event organised by Carnation Club of Kuching and Samarahan on Friday night.
On the event’s theme of ‘Wanita Bersatu Teguh’, Jamilah said it was apt and timely with unity the essence for women’s well-being as well as that of the state.
“This event serves to remind us that unity in diversity must be the fundamental element upon which we live and operate to facilitate continued harmony, progressiveness and development of our people.
“Over the years we have the privilege of political stability, continuous development in terms of infrastructure and enhancement in standard of living and general quality of life. Our good fortune is made possible by a stable government that is visionary and people-centric.
“There are many policies and welfare assistance formulated to assist various sections of the community such as single mothers and their children, entrepreneurs and others. As citizens of Sarawak, we have a duty to protect all such good things to ensure our people and future generations continue to enjoy these wonderful things,” she said.
Jamilah reminded those present to vote wisely in the coming state election.
“As the rakyat, voting is our right, responsibility and duty. May we be guided by wisdom and foresight to give the mandate to the government with a proven track record,” she said.
In her welcoming speech, Carnation Club chairperson Magdalene Chong said the event was in conjunction with International Women’s Day and to present education assistance to children of single mother families.
“Our event conveys an important message to our women community, that is, we as women must preserve solidarity and team spirit and act collectively to achieve gender parity.
“The strength of our women’s community lies in our unity regardless of race, religion and creed. The concept of United We Stand is fundamental to facilitate a strong and peaceful community and a strong and peaceful Sarawak,” she said.
Chong pointed out that the blessings of peace and harmony are made possible by the dedicated government led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
“He is like a breath of fresh air who dares to challenge the status quo to bring about change and innovation to the state for the benefit of the people.
“The women’s community makes up about 59 per cent of the votes within the state. As such, we need to exercise wisdom in choosing our leadership in the coming state election, and rally behind our chief minister and his team who have proven themselves over the past two years of solid administration,” she said.