Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah’s Women Entrepreneurs Committee hopes Sabah will introduce gender-responsive policies, including dedicated financing for women entrepreneurs and more quotas for female political candidates.
Its President, Lam Lee Chin, called for the civil service to establish structured promotion mechanisms for women officers while pushing for greater female representation in politics and governance.
“For Sabah to become a more resilient and competitive regional hub, we need capable women leaders in political and high-level decision-making roles,” Lam said in statement, here, last Wednesday.
Despite Sabah’s natural resources and strategic location, women continue to face significant challenges in business and politics, according to Lam.
“Female entrepreneurs struggle to access funding and market opportunities, while inadequate childcare policies force many women to choose between family and career advancement.
“In politics, women remain underrepresented in the state assembly and local governments. Even in the civil service, where women perform well at grassroots levels, few reach senior positions like permanent secretary or ministerial roles. Gender bias and stereotypes persist, with lingering doubts about women’s leadership abilities,” Lam said.
To address these issues, Lam proposed a comprehensive approach involving government, business chambers, and civil society. She urged authorities to introduce gender-responsive policies, including dedicated financing for women entrepreneurs and minimum quotas for female political candidates. The civil service should also establish structured promotion mechanisms for women officers.
Lam suggested creating women’s business incubators and cross-border partnership networks, particularly to strengthen Malaysia-China women’s business connections. More women should participate in policy consultations and high-level forums.
“Companies should implement gender diversity quotas at board and executive levels, while educational institutions and media should actively promote gender equality to challenge traditional stereotypes,” she said. The call comes as Assistant Minister Datuk Flovia Ng recently encouraged more women to contest in upcoming state elections.
Lam expressed strong support for this initiative, saying it could diversify leadership perspectives in Sabah. Lam also acknowledged the statement by Liberal Democratic Party Women’s Leader Glenna Wong, who described women as naturally creative, resilient and socially perceptive leaders capable of driving social transformation.
“We sincerely hope to witness Sabah’s first female Chief Minister or State Secretary – a historic milestone in our journey toward political reform and gender equality,” Lam said.
Drawing inspiration from countries like Finland, Iceland, and New Zealand, where women excel in politics and contribute to national well-being, Lam believes Sabah should lead in gender-balanced governance. She suggested the State could establish Women-First Development Zones or Women Entrepreneur Innovation Parks as pilot projects for policy innovation.
“Creating a truly women-friendly Sabah goes beyond empowering women, it is about shaping a better future for all,” she said. The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah Women Entrepreneurs Committee, led by Datuk Dexter Lau, has committed to serving as a bridge between local and international resources to accelerate women’s advancement in business and politics.
