Idris Jala: Companies still giving excuses

Getting women on board: Idris speaking during the dialogue session. With him is PwC Malaysia executive director (economics and policy) Marina Che Mokhtar. Idris says there is confusion between the role of the board and management.

PETALING JAYA: Among the reasons Malaysia has not achieved the Government’s target of having 30% women representation on the boards of its Top 100 listed companies is the unnecessary requirement for candidates with industry-specific expertise.

Pemandu Associates Sdn Bhd president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Idris Jala said companies often used this as an “excuse”, saying they were unable to find women candidates with the relevant expertise and experience.