Faridah describes the move as a significant step towards strengthening democracy and ensuring greater representation of women in national decision-making.
KENINGAU (June 24): A proposal to require all political parties to field at least 30 per cent women candidates in general and state elections has received support from educationist and social activist Faridah Alexius Muri Gulim Adau.
In a statement, she described the move as a significant step towards strengthening democracy and ensuring greater representation of women in national decision-making.
Faridah said the proposal, put forward by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development, deserves serious consideration as it addresses the need for greater balance and inclusivity in the country’s leadership structure.
She noted that women have proven their capabilities across various sectors and should be given more opportunities to participate in shaping public policy and governance.
“It is time for more women to be given opportunities to sit at the decision-making table so that their perspectives, experiences and aspirations can help shape policies that impact the lives of the people.
“A truly inclusive democracy cannot rely on the participation of only one group. It requires meaningful involvement of women in political and administrative institutions,” she said.
Faridah, who is also actively involved in advocating rural development and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), said the proposed minimum target should not be viewed merely as a quota system, but as a mechanism to strengthen and mature the country’s democratic process.
She added that efforts to increase women’s participation should go beyond election candidacies and include appointments to strategic positions within government agencies and the public service.
Highlighting Sabah’s progress in promoting women leaders, Faridah said women have already assumed significant roles in both politics and the civil service.
She pointed out that Datuk Julita Majungki currently serves as Sabah Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, while Datuk Rina Jainal is the assistant minister in the same ministry.
Faridah also noted that women now hold approximately half of all department head positions in the Sabah public service, reflecting the state’s commitment to gender inclusivity in leadership.
“This proves that women are not only capable of leading but have also demonstrated outstanding performance across various fields of administration and development.
“When given equal opportunities, they can contribute significantly to the progress of the state and the nation,” she said.
Faridah also called on the government, the Election Commission, political parties, educational institutions and civil society organisations to strengthen leadership development programmes for women to ensure a steady pipeline of capable female leaders in the future.
The proposal was recently tabled by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development, chaired by Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin.
Among the committee’s recommendations are the enactment of a Gender Parity in Political Representation Act requiring political parties to field at least 30 per cent women candidates in elections, the establishment of a Gender Equality Committee, the introduction of financial incentives for political parties, and the strengthening of the National Women’s Policy.
The measures are aimed at achieving the national target of ensuring that at least 30 per cent of decision-making positions in public institutions and political leadership are held by women.
