30% target for women in decision-making by 2025

KUCHING: Sarawak will seek to have 30 per cent women in decision-making positions by 2025, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

However, he pointed out women's success in both public service and the corporate world is not just about the percentage of their representation but more about results or outcomes.

“I will look into the matter raised by one of the panellists today and we will try to find the solution so that the level of women's participation in decisionmaking will reach 30 per cent.

“For Sarawak, I believe by the year 2025, we can achieve that 30 per cent,” he said during ‘Voices to be Heard', which was held in connection with the Women's Leadership Training Programme here on Friday.

Abang Johari said women could one day hold the posts of Malaysian Prime Minister or Sarawak Chief Minister if they could perform well, balance the needs of society, and bring about change.

He cited the case of New Zealand, which is currently under its third woman prime minister, despite having a higher population of men compared to women.

“One day, during this new era, women in Sarawak can lead the state because during the digital era, it is no longer gender biased and neither racial biased.

“I may be wrong, but it is the future because the landscape has changed, because we are no longer in the old ways, because we are exposed to information – everybody is exposed to new technology,” he said, adding 30 per cent is an appropriate starting point.

Abang Johari said Sarawak could not run away from such developments and therefore it is important the government has the right approach towards women.

On selecting women candidates for elections, Abang Johari said they must first get clearance from the potential candidate's husband.