Malaysia should take a leaf out of UK on woman's representation, says Dr Julia Ongkili

 

                      Dr Julia Emelda Ongkili 

18-7-2024

KOTA KINABALU : Malaysia, in particular Sabah, should aspire to increase women's representation in the legislative assemby and cabinet line up, said Sabah acting chair of the Parti Sedar Rakyat.

Dr Julia Emelda Ongkili said the country could emulate the new United Kingdom's PM Keir Starmer's act where he appointed a record number of female ministers in the UK cabinet.

"There are 11 female ministers out of the 23-member cabinet in the UK after their recent general election.

"The Deputy PM of UK is female and for the first time a female has been appointed as Finance Minister or Exchequer," she pointed out, referring to Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves in their respective posts.

She further said: "Now forty percent of the UK's MPs or members of the House of Commons are female. To me this is inspiring."

"Our own electorates here have something to think and consider when our own general election comes," said Dr Julia in an interview with Borneo Herald here recently.

She said it was upsetting to see many political parties in Malaysia for a long time stated their intention to increase the numbers of women to 30% as per party's candidacy, but it remained just intention without serious action.

"Many women are as capable as men in almost all fields and this is particularly in leadership. In some areas, some women, could be more trustworthy than our average politicians.

"I am calling upon parties and leaders to trust our women and help pave way for them to come up to the forefront when the opportunities come," she said, adding that potential women also must be brave to offer themselves to lead.

Dr Julia also said that given an opportunity, capable women could really shine and make contribution to the country.

"Just look at one time Malaysia had Datuk Rafidah Aziz as International Trade minister. To me she really shined and did a great job.

"Closer to home in Sabah, during PBS rule, we had Datuk Ariah Tengku Ahmad as one of the deputy chief ministers. We should re-visit such an opportunity.

"Another well-liked female leader we once had in Sabah was Toh Puan Rahimah Stephens, a Kiulu BERJAYA assemblywoman from 1979 till 1985, and a state minister, who also inspired more women to get active in political leadership," she added.#