PM lauds women’s resilience
Malaysian ladies are tough and have a gallant spirit, says Najib
Malaysian ladies are tough and possess a gallant spirit, says Najib.
PEKAN: The Government has always given priority to women’s empowerment and that is why women’s position in Malaysia is far above many other countries, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
Women in Malaysia are considered more advanced and in the forefront compared to those in developing countries or other Muslim countries, he said.
Najib said that whether it was among developing countries or the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Malaysian women enjoy an extraordinary standing.
“The struggle is not over. I think women shouldn’t be looked at as weak and require help all the time.
“In fact, I am impressed with our women who are tough and possess a gallant spirit. These are the ingredients to achieve success.
“Our agenda is still not over and more will be carried out.
“This is the ingredient for us to achieve more success.
“Women are not only to sit at the kitchen corner or lulling children or simply to run a household,” Najib said at the opening of the Pekan Women’s Institute (WI) annual general meeting here yesterday.
He added that women also con tributed to nation building as well.
The achievement, he said, was the outcome of continued commitment and agenda that was given priority by the Government in addition to the women’s attitude of being resilient, courageous and determined.
“I believe women can multitask and add value to their families, whether it is managing economy, guiding their children or even providing additional income,” he said.
Najib said through Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia and Tekun, more than 2.5 million women have obtained microcredit loans amounting to RM13.5bil since 2009.
“The remarkable thing is up to 98% of these borrowers have already repaid their loans.
“That’s how special they are. Women can be relied on.
“When we treat women well, our country will also progress and our family stands to benefit,” he said.
Najib, who is also Pekan Member of Parliament, said the WI was close to his heart and that of his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor because it was active in numerous activities that benefited its almost 2,500 members.
He hoped this would be emulated by other nongovernmental organisations so that they could attract people to join in their activities.