By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, April 22: Let an individual’s merit speak rather than focusing on one’s gender, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said, despite men occupying many key leadership roles, the world remains in a state of ‘kelam kabut’ (disarray), largely due to economic policies that fail to meet global demands.
Speaking at the 4th Meeting of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (WAIPA) 2025 today, he said that the last ten years have seen how women created leadership roles in Europe, using International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva as an example.
“The trend is toward empowerment as the role of women is rising based on merit. You’ll never know—one day, the world will depend on women’s intellect,” he said.
Abang Johari added that society must be able to accept one’s role irrespective of whether they’re a man or a woman because they have the merit to back it up.
The Premier added that once society understands that, then merit comes into play as the basis for one’s leadership capabilities.
Quoting former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, who said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish”, he said that in recent years, there has been growing recognition of the vital importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment to sustainable development.
“Governments, along with international and regional organisations, have shown increased commitment to institutionalising gender mainstreaming approaches,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that women’s empowerment remains a global issue, including in Malaysia. He said that the federal and Sarawak governments are making efforts to ensure that women are given equal opportunities in education, social spheres, and economic activities.
He said in Parliament, women currently make up only 13.5 per cent of MPs and 16.1 per cent of the Federal Cabinet, with even fewer at the State level. However, he said, these women are playing key roles in advancing the State’s initiatives.
“These figures highlight the need to encourage further and support women’s participation in policy-making and public administration.
“Across various sectors—from leadership, education, and economics to human rights and frontline services— women have consistently demonstrated resilience, courage, and wisdom in overcoming whatever challenges they faced,” he said.
He said that in Sarawak, women comprise nearly half of Sarawak’s almost three million population, noting that their empowerment is crucial in addressing emerging socio-economic challenges.
“Women from our diverse ethnic groups—Dayak, Malay, Chinese, Indian, Melanau, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and other indigenous communities—play vital roles in shaping the State’s political, economic, and social landscape.”
The Premier added that Sarawak has made significant progress in promoting women’s rights, with increasing female participation in education, the workforce, and leadership roles.
He added that more women now hold prominent positions in government, business, and civil society. Gender-responsive policies and women-focused programs have helped narrow the gender gap and allowed women to pursue education and careers that were once male-dominated.
“Furthermore, the Sarawak government has taken progressive steps by establishing women’s councils and committees that champion gender sensitive policies.
“These efforts complement Malaysia’s broader commitment to gender equality, as outlined in the national development strategies and international frameworks,” he said.
Dewan Negara President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, and Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar were among those present. — DayakDaily
