By Wilfred Pilo and Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 24: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian has said that he hopes he lives to see a woman become elected as party president or even as premier to lead Sarawak and make history.
Hoping the day a woman is made SUPP president is not far off, the Deputy Premier emphasised that women are every bit as capable of being good leaders as men, whether in political offices or in corporate boardrooms.
“In Sarawak today, women have equal opportunity to get a good education compared to the past. With women now better represented at all levels of society including in decision making positions, it is only a matter of time for women to lead Sarawak.
“I believe a woman will lead SUPP one day and I also believe a woman will lead Sarawak in the future. I hope to see a woman being made SUPP president before I die,” he said when addressing SUPP Women’s Day celebration held at the party headquarters in Jalan Ong Kee Hui here tonight.
With more than 50 per cent of Sarawak’s population being women and also in SUPP, where half of its members are women, Dr Sim added that this dream can soon become a reality while stressing the importance for women to develop self-confidence and self-reliance.
“Talent has no age or gender and there are many talented and capable women and girls who can contribute to every aspect of development in Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole, be it professionally, politically and the society.
“Past women and men of SUPP go hand in hand in pursuing our struggles and move forward. So we can trust women. So today women party members should do the same,” he reminded.
Dr Sim also applauded all the women in Sarawak, noting that being a woman is no easy job as they have to juggle all their lives in balancing their roles as sister, mother, wife, worker, professional and for their family.
“2030 is about inclusivity where everyone, be it men or women, have to contribute and help build Sarawak and Malaysia, more so when Sarawak aspires to achieve its target (of becoming an advanced and high income region by 2030.
“As such, party members must understand the government’s policies and continue to upgrade oneself and continue learning so that you can unleash your talents,” he said.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Kuching South City Council Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and SUPP Women chief Kho Teck Wan were among those at the celebration. — DayakDaily
