Liew and FCAS women wing leaders cutting a cake in celebration of International Women’s Day
KOTA KINABALU (March 12): Women are the backbone of society, playing indispensable roles in families, workplaces, and every corner of our lcommunities.
From entrepreneurs, teachers, and doctors to civil servants, philanthropists, and everyday yet extraordinary mothers, women contribute their wisdom, resilience and compassion to drive social progress.
Sabah is home to many remarkable female leaders who shine brightly in their fields, serving as vital forces in advancing social development and promoting gender equality.
Recognizing these contributions, the Sabah State Government has always placed great importance on women’s rights and development.
“We actively promote gender equality policies, encouraging women to showcase their talents across various industries. Our commitment lies in creating more opportunities for women to thrive in the workforce while also prioritizing their well-being, ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve both at home and in society,” said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew at the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) dinner in conjunction with International Women’s Day held here recently.
Liew highlighted women’s remarkable contributions to tourism, culture and the environment.
“They are not only exceptional cultural ambassadors but also dedicated advocates of ecological preservation and key drivers behind Sabah’s flourishing tourism industry. I believe that with everyone’s continued efforts, women’s potential will be further unleashed, paving the way for greater achievements in Sabah’s economic and social development,” she said.
She encouraged women to continue embodying the values of confidence, strength, and independence, shining brightly in their respective roles.
She also urged women to support one another, moving forward hand in hand to build a brighter future together.
As a gesture of support, Liew announced an allocation of RM50,000 to FCAS women wing to assist in organizing the event.
Meanwhile, FCAS President Tan Sri TC Goh expressed gratitude for Liew’s presence despite her busy schedule, acknowledging her tireless work in promoting Sabah’s cultural tourism and the Sabah My Second Home program.
Goh also addressed the need for greater female representation in politics and governance.
“Although there is still some distance to our goal, both internationally and within our nation, we are moving towards greater respect, inclusivity, and empowerment of women. This is a crucial agenda for gender equality in democratic countries and societies,” he said.
He praised Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ goal of ‘30 per cent female representation in decision-making roles’ and offered two key proposals to further this cause.
“Firstly, I suggest that political parties from both the ruling and opposition sides nominate more female candidates in the upcoming Sabah state elections, providing more women with the opportunity to participate in politics and governance.
“Secondly, I propose the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Women’s Affairs at the cabinet level to specifically handle and develop women’s issues within the state,” he said.
Goh highlighted that women make up about half of Sabah’s population of over three million, yet the average proportion of female candidates in the state election was below 12 per cent, far from the United Nations’ 1990 target of “30 per cent female representation in decision-making roles.”
Currently, only 12 per cent of Sabah’s Members of Parliament and 8.2 per cent of state assembly members are women. In the state cabinet, there is only one female minister and two assistant ministers.
“While women make up half of Sabah’s population, 91 per cent of policymakers and decision-makers are men, leading to an imbalance,” Goh noted.
According to him, establishing a Ministry of Women’s Affairs would allow the state government to more effectively address, protect and develop women’s and children’s issues, similar to the federal Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development, and Sarawak’s Ministry of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development.
“It is an appropriate time for us to actively consider establishing a cabinet-level Ministry of Women’s Affairs within our state,” Goh stressed.
He also suggested that this ministry operate as an independent department, distinct from the existing Ministry of Social Development and People’s Welfare, ensuring non-overlapping functions.
“Sabah already has organizations like the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department, the Sabah Women’s Advisory Council (MPWS), but none are at the state cabinet level,” Goh said.
“I am confident that the establishment of a cabinet-level Ministry of Women’s Affairs will directly assist the state government in more effectively addressing women’s issues and development within the state,” he said.