They’ve contributed significantly towards State’s progress and charity, says Taib

KUCHING: Women’s dedication, loyalty and commitment in contributing towards the progress of the State, and their active involvement in charitable work had earned praises from the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

The Chief Minister said although it was never an easy task for women to play a wider role in a society that was once monopolised by men, they still managed to achieve that.

Launching the Sabati Women Museum at Sarawak Tourism Complex here yesterday, Taib said after independence the participation of women in various sectors had increased, and it augured well for the development of the State and the country.

“Now we can see a growing number of women playing a significant and aggressive role to serve the society..and not only can we see women from the urban areas but also those from the rural settings as well,” said Taib, who is also the patron of Sabati.

Taib noted that there was now an encouraging and positive trend where women from different races emerged to do charitable and voluntary works for the betterment of the society.

According to him, women were doing well in almost every sector, including in education, in the medical field and in accountancy.

Despite all the achievements, Taib stressed that the role of women was still pivotal and necessary to mould the society.

“The dedication, loyalty, determination and passion of women to attain various achievements should become the yardstick to mould the society as we progress vigorously,” he said.

He believed that the success story of women in various aspects could be transformed successfully to create a younger generation who were able and ready to face the ever changing environment full of challenges and tribulations.

“As women, despite your achievement and participation in various organisations, you should not neglect the important role to mould the younger generation,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the involvement of women was still crucial in the modern days of development.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the important role women played in politics, citing Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) as an example where women had always been the key players for the party’s victory in the election.

And he believed that other political parties also required the strength of their women members.

He reiterated that another woman candidate would be fielded in the coming parliamentary election.

On the museum, which is the second in the country after Johore, Taib said its establishment was a correct move to perpetuate the role and struggle of women in the society.

The museum, he said, would also encourage more women to play a constructive role in the society.

Taib promised to look for a permanent site for the museum in the future.

Also present at the function were Taib’s wife Datuk Amar Puan Sri Laila Taib, who is Sabati president; Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan; Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Dato Sri Awang Tengah Ali Hassan; Speaker of State Legislative Assembly Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar; Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah and members of the State Legislative Assembly Rosey Yunus and Simoi Peri.