A group photo of the course participants with Flovia and others
KOTA KINABALU: It is important that women’s involvement needs to be reached at a level of 30 percent in involvement from various aspects such as economic, political or social.
Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being (KPMKR), Datuk James bin Ratib said this claim is justified because the success of a country has great women in it.
“If you look at it as a whole, there are many women in Sabah who have good personalities, are educated and skilled and are capable of leading an organization or a party.
“So initiatives like this are very good and need to be continued for the sake of the development and well-being of the people in the future.
“Therefore, based on this awareness, the government always strives to increase the level of women’s participation, especially in the political, economic and social worlds in this state,” he said.
James said, the government also always encourages more women to venture into more challenging fields such as decision-making and also to be a visionary and knowledgeable leader.
Therefore, he said, a platform such as the establishment of the Sabah Women’s Leadership Academy (AKWAN) can have a positive impact on the advancement of a woman’s leadership.
“I believe that through this effort we can produce more capable and competitive women in line with the development of the globalized digital world and ultimately lead to the well-being of society, especially in this beloved state of Sabah,” he said.
James who is also Sugut Assemblyman was speaking when officiating the Women’s Leadership Intermediate Course Program For Government Link-Companies (GLC) Leaders that was held at
Ming Garden Hotel & Residence on Sunday.
His speech text was read by KPMKR Assistant Minister, Datuk Flovia Ng, who represented him.
He added that, with the involvement of women in administrative organizations at various levels, of course it will be able to bring great changes to policies and laws and contribute to the development of the family, society and country.
“I believe that the agenda of empowering women is a joint responsibility of all parties and not only borne by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, even my own Ministry KPMKR will take care of this struggle.
“In this regard, I would like to praise the role and initiatives that have been implemented by the AKWAN under the Sabah Women’s Advisory Council (MPWS) together with the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWA) in helping to develop, empower, recognize the abilities and contributions of women in development country,” he said.
According to James, women’s empowerment will continue to be one of the country’s important agendas.
He said, in order to make it successful it requires a high commitment from all stakeholders.
The need to develop their skills is important especially in leadership areas such as technique and communication skills.
“Therefore, I call for women’s perspectives to always be taken into account in the formulation of policies and program planning to ensure that women get fair space and opportunities in the development of the country.
“It is my great hope that the attendees from various sectors and positions can meet and share different ideologies and views.
“Useful sharing can have a great impact and be effective. The knowledge we get, make the best use of it so that in the end we become a leader who is knowledgeable and able to guide the organization to continue to excel and have integrity,” he said.
James expressed his appreciation to Datuk Dr Tarsiah Haji Taman and all those involved in making the Women’s Leadership Basics course program for the Government Link-Companies (GLC) Leaders series a success.
” I also thank our speakers who are great and willing to share their knowledge with the participants.
“Not forgetting the workforce or Trustees of the AKWAN who ensure that the course runs successfully and lastly to the course participants who successfully attended to increase their knowledge,” he said.
