Fatimah reiterates present term will be her last as assemblywoman

Fatimah (centre) officiating at the ministry's Chinese New Year gathering.

by Nancy Nais

KUCHING, Feb 10: Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah has reiterated that the recent Sarawak election will be her last.

Sharing her hopes and wishes for the ministry which she has helmed since 2011, Fatimah said there were a few issues which still caused great concern in the State but she is confident that the ministry will continue to do its best for the people of Sarawak.

The 65-year-old five-term Dalat assemblywoman defended her seat in the recently concluded State election, securing a handsome 7,085 votes (93.9 per cent) against Salleh Mahali from Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) who garnered 460 votes (6.1 per cent).

“This will be my last term to stand in any election. As mentioned, I have been the representative for 21 years (since 2001) and helmed the ministry since 2011. While I have set my mind to let go and give way to other leaders, I will continue to serve the people as I have done before,” Fatimah said when speaking at the ministry’s Chinese New Year gathering here today.

On Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) recent State election results, she said the overwhelming success means the rakyat trust the current government by voting them back with hope but also with high expectation.

Rest assured, Fatimah told those present, GPS’s 34 points manifesto will not be just on paper, but it will be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, thanking the ministry’s staff for their commitment and hard work over the years, she reminded them to always look at the big picture and scenario when they plan and implement a programme or policy.

“Always have empathy in yourself. Remember to look at the forest, not just the trees,” she said. — DayakDaily