PM hails outstanding women
Najib urges empowered younger generation to keep on breaking new ground
KUALA LUMPUR: The accomplishments of Malaysian women in education has been described as outstanding, “in fact better than their peers in some developed countries,” says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Prime Minister said as such they should throw their support behind the current administration which is committed to helping them meet their dreams and aspirations.
He said that under the Barisan Nasional-led Government, the people, including women, were guaranteed a brighter future.
“If women want their aspirations fulfilled, then they should support the government of the day,” he said. “I will guarantee you that we will do the best so that women and the rest of Malaysians can have a better and brighter future,” he added.
“This is proof that the Government does not limit the potential of women nor prevent them from fulfilling their dreams,” he said at the Himpunan Wanita Muda organised by Puteri Umno yesterday.
Najib said this year’s intake of 25,000 female students compared to 13,000 males in public universities was proof that Malaysian women were an empowered lot.
“This is in stark contrast with the scenario in another country where a young woman was shot because she wanted education for herself and her peers,” Najib pointed out.
He said a main concern of the younger generation everywhere in the world was employment.
“The Government has addressed this by providing some 300,000 job opportunities recently,” he added.
“This could be done because the country was well-managed through the various transformation agendas, while the domestic economy was given a boost, which resulted in a 5.3% growth.”
Najib urged the younger generation not to put their future at stake for short-term political gains, saying the Opposition “would do anything” to run down the Government’s efforts to provide employment and development.
At the event, 12 women were honoured for their outstanding achievements in various fields. The Nusa Mahsuri Award was given to Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Tuanku Abdul Halim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s daughter.
Other recipients included singer Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, who received the Kesatria Puteri Arts award, while national diver Pandelela Rinong was named the Kesatria Puteri Sports award recipient.