More women should be involved in policy and decision making

The Chief Minister with the newly appointed members of MPWS

5 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: More women should be empowered through effective programmes that provide them the capability to make choices and engage in policy and decision making.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor emphasised, "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 those of their families,” he stated.

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 highlighted that women’s empowerment is vital not only for the well-being and development of women but also for the overall progress of society.

“Empowering women leads to better economic outcomes, healthier families, and fairer communities. However, this requires collaborative efforts from all sectors, the government, organisations, and individuals to foster an inclusive environment where women can flourish.”

He expressed hope that the newly appointed MPWS committee would become an integral part of the government machinery, optimising women’s involvement across various sectors to produce knowledgeable and outstanding women capable of elevating Sabah on the international stage.

Hajiji also acknowledged the increasing significance of women as human capital in driving the state’s development.

“In this regard, all parties must contribute to assisting the government in nurturing knowledgeable women, especially in facing economic development challenges that demand creativity and innovation,” he said.

The MPWS was established as a coordinating and advisory body to the State Government, serving as an intermediary between the government and non-governmental women’s organisations.

“The MPWS’s responsibilities include implementing policies and programmes that benefit women in Sabah at the state, national, and international levels,” he added.

He congratulated the new council members, stating, “It is an honour for you to be appointed and entrusted with leadership roles that will ensure women in Sabah benefit from government policies and programmes through the MPWS.”

Hajiji further noted that the MPWS plays a crucial role as a think tank and catalyst, working collaboratively with the Sabah Department of Women’s Affairs (JHEWA) to unify efforts in advancing women’s progress in the state.

The MPWS comprises seven sub-committees dedicated to advancing women’s development in the areas of: Economy, Education, Social Welfare, Health, Law, Gender, and Women & Media.

“I would like JHEWA, which acts as the secretariat for the MPWS, to assist in the implementation of programmes planned by the council. This is vital for empowering women and elevating their status in Sabah,” he said.

He also expressed hope that the newly appointed council members would help set a clear direction for the MPWS to enhance the welfare of the people through the work of these committees.

The swearing-in ceremony was led by Chairperson Datuk Dr Rosmahwati Lasuki.

The new members are Datin Fauziah Datuk 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.