WOMENFOLK play a crucial role in the coming six state elections, including Penang, says caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
With 50% of the voters being female, Chow said they could shape the future of Penang.
He assured them of their rightful place in Penang in a speech at the ‘Wanita Bangkit’ programme held by the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) in collaboration with JPWKs, at the Expo Site in Seberang Jaya today.
Chow also urged the women voters to make informed choices in the coming state elections on Aug 12, particularly outlining three key elements.
“Firstly, we want to choose unity over division, and we represent unity. With a unity government, a new political chapter has been established in Malaysia. This is a fact that we cannot deny. Because we have chosen unity, today we have been able to reject divisive groups in Malaysia.
“So, women should be at the forefront of promoting unity. Take this message home to your respective homes. Spread the message of unity.
“Secondly, we want to choose development, progress and the welfare of the people. Support the unity government to continue driving the development of Penang.
“Lastly, we choose a pro-women agenda. We want to protect women’s rights and ensure their advancement rather than regression.
“Women can play an important role in the government and we have provided them a strong platform to do so. You will get a rightful place under the sun in Penang.
“These three choices are not only important for women, but also for all voters in Penang.
“We will face very stiff challenges but with women’s power, we will still keep the state of Penang,” Chow stressed.
Also present at the celebration were caretaker Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Aiman Athirah Sabu, caretaker state exco members Chong Eng and Dr Norlela Ariffin, former assemblymen Teh Lai Heng, Lim Siew Khim, Heng Lee Lee, and PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng.
Chong Eng expressed her delight in seeing the enthusiasm of the large crowd, especially women, stating that women play an important part in societal transformation.
Dr Ramasamy highlighted that a country that ensures justice and equal representation for its women has the potential to become progressive. He was impressed with the ‘ombak wanita’ (women’s wave) seen at the assembly.
Fadhlina emphasised the importance of education, quoting the famous proverb that if you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate an entire family.
Hui Ying added that 70% of the teachers in Malaysia are women.
Aiman recognised Penang’s achievements in providing opportunities and equality for women, even though the United Nations had reported that it would take 300 more years for gender equality globally.
“It will take a long battle. But whichever state has a good track record, we must give them the mandate to continue running the state. And the track record shown by Penang is far ahead compared to others,” Aiman said.
Others who were also invited to speak included Dr Norlela, Siew Khim and Heng.