By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 10: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women’s Wing has identified a number of potential female candidates for the State elections, but the concentration of prospective women leaders in certain areas continues to pose a challenge in efforts to increase women’s political representation across Sarawak.
Its chief, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, said the Women’s Wing hopes to see more women involved in politics and eventually selected as election candidates, but acknowledged that the availability of potential candidates varies from one constituency to another.
“We have many potential candidates. Sometimes there are more in certain areas, while in some other areas not so. Of course, we want to see more women representatives and more women selected as candidates, but there are challenges,” she told reporters after chairing the PBB Women Supreme Council Meeting held at PBB Headquarters in Jalan Bako today.
Fatimah, who is also the Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, said women in Sarawak have achieved significant success in various fields, including entrepreneurship, education and professional careers, but political participation remains an area where greater involvement is needed.
“If we look at the achievements of women in Sarawak today, we can be proud of what they have accomplished in many sectors. However, in politics, we would like to see more women come forward and participate,” she said.
She noted that PBB Women has been identifying individuals who have shown interest in politics, possess leadership qualities and have the potential to serve as elected representatives.
“We have actually identified potential candidates, especially those who are interested and those who have leadership qualities. However, where they are located is also important because they will be representing a particular constituency,” she said.
She pointed out that voters often prefer candidates who come from and understand their local communities, making geographical considerations an important factor in candidate selection.
“People generally want someone from their own area to represent them. We understand that sentiment. That is sometimes what makes it more complicated when we are looking at representation across the state,” she said.
While increasing the overall number of women representatives remains a long-term aspiration, Fatimah emphasised that candidate selection must continue to be guided by merit and electability.
“We agree with what the Premier has said before that it must be based on meritocracy. We want credible candidates and candidates who can win. This is important because when there is an election, we want to win. We do not want to lose,” she said.
Fatimah, who is Dalat assemblywoman, added that efforts to increase women’s representation are not solely the responsibility of PBB, but also involve other component parties within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“Representation cannot come from PBB alone. Other component parties need to also nominate women candidates. But again, it must be based on the principle of fielding credible and winnable candidates,” she stressed.
Fatimah reiterated that the final decision on candidate selection rests with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Of course, it is always our wish to see an increase in the number of women participating in politics and serving as elected representatives. However, the selection of candidates is ultimately the prerogative of the Premier,” she said.
Fatimah also expressed satisfaction with the growing involvement of women at the grassroots level, saying the wing’s expanding membership and active participation in community programmes provide a strong foundation for nurturing future women leaders.
As of July 8, PBB Women had 182,773 members, contributing to PBB’s overall membership of 398,000.
Deputy Minister of Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations and Samariang assemblywoman Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; Deputy Minister of Woman and Childhood Development and Bekenu assemblywoman Datuk Rosey Yunus; Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee, and Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor were among those present. — DayakDaily
