By Amanda L
KUCHING, Jan 14: In Sarawak, women who demonstrate capability and competence will always be recognised, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said, stressing that merit, not gender, should guide career progression and leadership opportunities.
Speaking at the ‘Townhall 9 Tahun Bersama YAB Premier Sarawak’ at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here last night (Jan 13), Abang Johari highlighted that professional performance and ability are the true measures for appointments and promotions across the State administration.
He pointed to the increasing presence of women in technical and senior roles, including female engineers in the Public Works Department (JKR) and the recent appointment of a woman as Deputy State Secretary.
“We have many women engineers. During a site visit to the Limbang bridge, I was briefed by a woman engineer. As long as you have the quality, whether it involves site work or disaster areas, why not,” he said.
Abang Johari also stressed that women should have equal opportunities to take on responsibilities, provided personal circumstances allow, including for those who are married. He noted that Sarawak does not practise gender bias in leadership selection, and promotions are based on capability rather than gender.
“In my party, opportunities are given equally to men and women. If they are capable and can deliver, they should be promoted,” he said.
He further added that empowering women and youth is crucial for Sarawak’s long-term development, supporting the State’s drive towards high-income status while ensuring social stability and inclusive governance. — DayakDaily
