Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government has allocated RM1.5 million to women’s associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to hold more programmes beneficial for women’s development, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said this is a form of support from the Government which greatly appreciates the role and contribution of women as a whole.
The RM1.5 million is to be coordinated by the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (Jhewa), he said.
He added that women are important contributors to the State’s social, education, administration, political and economic development, among other sectors.
Additionally, the State has allocated RM6.36 million to Jhewa and RM700,000 to the Sabah Women Advisory Council (MPWS) for this year’s projects and women’s development activities.
“I want the MPWS, as the think-tank and advisor to women’s issues, to be more aggressive and proactive in contributing ideas to boost women’s development and participation in various fields in the State,” he said during the State-level Women’s Day celebration, here, on Friday (Aug 23).
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also Sabah Works Minister.
Hajiji said Sabah has faith in the capabilities of women and believes they can achieve as much as their male peers in various social and economic sectors.
He said women today hold high positions in fields that were once monopolised by men, such as in the security forces, the State Cabinet and in private and government departments and agencies.
“There are also many who are in aviation as pilots, astronauts, doctors, lawyers, engineers and other career paths,” he said.
Hajiji said Sabah would always support and acknowledge the abilities of women in policy and decision-making positions.
He also urged Jhewa, which acts as the state agency tasked with handling women’s affairs, to continue conducting effective and efficient development programmes for women to achieve targets and objectives.
During the event organised by Jhewa, Shahelmey presented five awards, namely Wanita Cemerlang (Outstanding Woman Award) to Prof. Madya Dr Rozita @ Uji Binti Mohammed, Usahawan Wanita Cemerlang (Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur) to Erliana Binti Said, Anugerah Kepimpinan Wanita Luar Bandar (Rural Women’s Leadership Award) to Jaliha @ Zaliha Mating, Anugerah Khas Individu Lelaki (Special Award for Outstanding Man) to Datuk Asnan Yunus, and Anugerah Persatuan Wanita Cemerlang (Outstanding Women’s Association Award) to Persatuan Suri dan Anggota Wanita Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia (Puspanita) Cawangan Sabah.
