AN AGENT OF REFORM

“Power is about setting standards, bringing about better norms, values and principles so that we can actually build a better Malaysia together,” says Yang Berhormat Puan Maria Chin

Abdullah. A vocal advocate for women and human rights, Maria is a founding member and former President of the All Women’s Action Society (AWAM) and the former Executive Director of Persatuan

Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (EMPOWER).

From 2013 to 2018, Maria also served as chairwoman of Bersih 2.0 to continue the call for free and fair elections. “Reform has always been what I stand for. From my involvement in women’s groups and Bersih, I always hope that I can facilitate some positive change. I hope future generations will succeed in taking that change forward,” the dedicated parliamentarian explains.

In her current role as a Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya, Maria remains commit ted to using her power to make a difference. For years, Maria has distributed food baskets to t he B40 community in low-cost flats (PPR) while looking for a means to deliver employment opportunities to the marginalised group.

“I recently got into a new project together with volunteer si nP J to start a Kit a Refill Kiosk in partnership with Kit a Refill ,” Maria enthuses. The kiosk is a detergent bulk store where customers may bring their containers to purchase dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, hand soap, sanitiser, and softener. The store located in NZX Commercial Centre, Ara Damansara, is run by B40 women, grateful for the income alongside the opportunity to hone entrepreneurial skills .“The project also helps protect the environment by preventing more plastics from going to l andfills. I am l ooking into more projec ts like this,” Maria adds.

The parliamentarian has also engaged agriculturist and researcher Dr. Billy Tang, pioneer of t he Hope Box Project, which of fers organic vegetable terrariums for adoption or sale. “It’s a box where he has grown vegetables that you can harvest t hroughout t he year. It provides a lit tle extra food security for the community and takes lit tle ef for t to take care of,” Maria elaborates.

Maria wants more Malaysians to believe that they can be the change they want to see. “I definitely encourage more women to be elected representatives whether at parliament, state or council level. That said, come in with a strong idea of the change you want to bring. We still fight for the environment and against corruption and human rights violations. I hope those who come bring new values, so our nation can advance.”

“Power is about setting standards, bringing about better norms, values and principles so that we can actually build a better Malaysia together.”