By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 9: Nur Alina Abdullah @ Colliner Gohe has been appointed as the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak (KPWK) following a handing-over-of-duties ceremony held at Baitul Makmur 2 here this morning.
The ceremony was witnessed by Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, who congratulated Nur Alina on her appointment and expressed confidence in the ministry’s new leadership line-up.
Nur Alina, who previously served as deputy permanent secretary of KPWK, took over the post from Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, who has been promoted and appointed deputy state secretary (Administration) with effect from Jan 1, 2026.
Commenting on Nur Alina’s appointment, Fatimah said the new permanent secretary had the advantage of already being familiar with the ministry, having served there previously and for the past three years as deputy permanent secretary.
Also appointed during the ceremony were Kathereen Lalai Eddie Saga as deputy permanent secretary, and Rohana Mohamad Ali as head of the Policy and Strategic Planning Division.
“This shortens the time needed for them to familiarise themselves with the ministry and allows more time to focus on the way forward.
“With these changes and new postings, we hope KPWK will continue to move ahead with better achievements and stronger performance, which will ultimately help improve the wellbeing of our community,” she told reporters after the event.
Nur Alina began her public service career on Aug 1, 1994 and spent 12 years with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, which later underwent several rebranding exercises, before serving at the Administration Unit of the Land and Survey Department. She joined KPWK in 2023 as deputy permanent secretary prior to her latest appointment.
Meanwhile, Fatimah described Felicia’s appointment as a recognition of merit and performance, adding that it was a proud moment for women across Sarawak.
“As women, not only in this ministry but throughout Sarawak, we feel proud that a woman has been selected as Deputy State Secretary — not because she is a woman, but because of her capability and merit,” she said.
Although Felicia served at KPWK for only about a year, Fatimah said the experience was significant in exposing her to key issues related to women empowerment, early childhood development and community wellbeing.
She expressed hope that Felicia would continue to remember the ministry’s priorities, particularly efforts to ensure both access and quality in early childhood education, with KPWK maintaining its target of achieving 100 per cent access for all children in Sarawak.
Fatimah also highlighted the ministry’s continued focus on addressing 13 key social issues this year to strengthen community wellbeing, as well as enhancing support systems for vulnerable, disadvantaged and needy groups under the Social Welfare Department.
“She has seen the whole spectrum of wellbeing — where we are now and what still needs to be done to achieve our aspirations for community wellbeing, women empowerment and early childhood development,” she said, adding that this understanding would be valuable in contributing to policy, programme planning and grant allocations. – DayakDaily
