Hajiji with the newly-appointed MPWS members. Also in the picture are State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong (third left) and Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Permanent Secretary Datuk Maria Chong (right).
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor wants to see more women empowered through effective programmes that provide them the capability to make choices and engage in policy and decision-making.
“More importantly, I want women to have access to opportunities, including empowerment in areas such as the economy, education and politics to enable them to make choices that positively impact their lives and their families,” he said.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-appointed members of the Sabah Women’s Advisory Council (MPWS) at Menara Kinabalu today, the Chief Minister said women empowerment is crucial not only for the benefit and wellbeing of women but also for the overall development of society.
Hajiji signing Dr Rosmahwati’s appointment letter.
“Empowering women will lead to better economic outcomes, healthier families and fairer communities. However, this requires collaborative efforts from all – the Government, organisations and individuals to create an inclusive environment where women can make progress.
“Therefore, I hope the newly-appointed MPWS committee will be able to become part of the Government machinery in optimising women’s involvement in various aspects to produce knowledgeable and outstanding women who can elevate Sabah to the international stage,” he said.
Hajiji said the role and importance of women as human capital driving the state’s development is becoming increasingly evident.
“In this regard, all parties must play a role in assisting the Government to nurture knowledgeable women, especially in facing economic development challenges that require values of creativity and innovation,” he said.
The MPWS was established as coordinating and advisory body to the State Government as well as an intermediary between the State Government and women non-governmental organisations.
Hajiji witnessing the swearing-in ceremony.
“The MPWS’s tasks include implementing policies and programmes that benefit women in Sabah at the state, national and international levels, among others.
“Therefore, for those appointed to hold positions in the council, it is an honour that you have been selected and entrusted with the leadership role to ensure that women in Sabah will benefit from government policies and programmes through the MPWS,” he said.
Hajiji said the MPWS also plays a crucial role in acting as a think tank, catalyst and
working collaboratively with the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWA) to unify efforts towards advancing women’s progress in the state.
“The MPWS has seven sub-committees established to advance the development of women, namely Economy, Education, Social, Health, Law, Gender, Women and Media.
“I want JHEWA, which acts as the Secretariat of the MPWS to assist in the implementation of programmes planned by the MPWS. This is very important to empower and elevate the status of women in Sabah.
“I also hope that all newly-appointed council members can set the direction for the MPWS to enhance the welfare of the people through the existing committees,” he said.
Leading the new MPWS members in the swearing-in ceremony was Chairperson Datuk Dr Rosmahwati Lasuki.
The new members are Datin Fauziah Abu Bakar Titingan, Jais Asri, Prof Ts Dr Imbarine Bujang, Viviantie Sarjuni, Dayang Selha Ibrahim, Nor Saadah Omar, Nor Azah Abd Rahman and Datin Atin Belynda Buntot.
