Zuraida’s appointment as PBM president-designate a victory for women

by SITI AISHAH LATIFF

AS A volunteer in a woman-based non-governmental organisation, I strongly support and welcome the decision by Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) to appoint Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin as their president-designate.

Though some may not recognise the significance of this, to us, who constantly fight for greater women recognition and empowerment, this is certainly a step in the right direction.

Zuraida has also been a strong advocate for the rights of women and youth and having her lead a political party is a feather in the cap for women in this country.

What makes it sweeter is that PBM is a multi-racial party, something which our nation badly needs to further enhance and strengthen its multi-cultural foundation.

There are already too many race-based political parties in the country and we welcome more multiracial parties which give everyone a fair chance to contest and hold positions.

Even the prominent Prof James Chin, who is a professor of Asian Studies (at University of Tasmania), said the world needs more women leaders.

This fact cannot be denied anymore as women leaders around the world have proven their capabilities and strong, fair leadership.

Among the prominent names around the world include Carrie Lam (Hong Kong), Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand), Halimah Yacob (Singapore) and Magdalena Andersson (Sweden).

In Malaysia, women representation, be it in the private sector, GLCs (government-linked companies) or political positions is considerably low.

After our “Iron Lady” Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, there is no other outstanding woman leader and Zuraida Kamaruddin is someone capable of rising to the occasion, especially for the Barisan Nasional coalition.

She has made great strides around the world in promoting our local commodities and we are confident she can do a lot more, given the opportunity.

It is time for Malaysia to move forward with regards to greater women and youth representation, and parties like PBM (multiracial) must live up to expectations and continue championing these causes.

Siti Aishah Latiff
Seremban