LETTING WOMEN SHINE

CELEBRATION.... Chief Minister Musa Aman, his wife, Faridah Tussin, Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs Azizah Mohd Dun together with recipients of awards at the Women's Day celebration.

By : ELAINE MAH

WHEN he spoke as Guest of Honour, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj. Aman told the gathering of women at the 2012 Women's Day celebration last night that he came because he wanted to show his  appreciation for women who all this while have contributed so much working alongside their men folks  to develop our country.

Women as a "trigger" of the new economy. This is the theme selected for this year's celebration. In his speech at the event, Musa said that this theme is the measure of the government's high hopes for the abilities and capabilities of women to contribute to the country's economic development.

"The ability of women to lead various departments and corporate companies proves that women are also capable of undertaking responsibilities if given the chance," he said.

Musa touched on the various incentives that the government has provided in the 2013 National Budget that benefit women whether directly or indirectly. He said on its part the state government has focused and committed itself to various initiatives to ensure that women continue to have a role in exploring and creating new wealth.

These initiatives include enhancing the support system and training facilities to enable more women to contribute to the state's and country's economy.

In her speech Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, Azizah Mohd Dun, said the theme clearly depicts the commitment of women in contributing to the state through active participation in the various development sectors.

She reminded the gathering of the various measures that the government has taken to support and encourage women to succeed. She particularly singled out the establishment of a nursery at workplaces to help mothers work and look after their young children at the same time.

As an example there is an allocation of RM 250, 000 to the Ministry of Community Development and Consumer Affairs to set up a nursery at Wisma MUIS. The nursery will open in January 2013. Children registration for the nursery will begin in December 2012.

"The nursery will benefit parents working in close proximity of Wisma MUIS," Azizah said.

She said other locations have also been identified for this purpose, including Wisma Pertanian, Wisma Perindustrian, and the Chief Minister's Department Complex.

In addition, the state government has approved an allocation of RM900,000 under the 10th Malaysia Plan for the purpose of building a Senior Citizen's Activity Centre in Beaufort in 2013.

"I urge all women and mothers who have achieved success in their careers not to neglect their responsibilities at home," Azizah said.

OUTSTANDING.... From left: Excellent Woman Award Recipient Eliza Goh, Tokoh Wanita Award Recipient Dr. Suzain Haji Suhaimi, and PERKEP (Association of Police Families) Sabah Contingent, head Alauyah Mohamed who received the Outstanding Women Organization Award.

Chief Minister Musa Aman, his wife, Faridah Tussin, Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs Azizah Mohd Dun together with recipients of awards at the Women's Day celebration

Three awards were presented at the event - The Outstanding Women Organization Award, the Excellent Woman Award and the Tokoh Wanita Award.

The Outstanding Women Organization was awarded to PERKEP (Association of Police Families) Sabah Contingent, headed by Alauyah Mohamed. The Excellent Woman Award went to Eliza Goh, President cum Chief Executive Officer of Harbour City, while the Tokoh Wanita Award was presented to private medical practitioner Dr. Suzain Haji Suhaimi. (Insight Sabah)