Meet Gunn Chit Wha, a pioneering female role model with many firsts in 1950s Malaya

In 1959, Gunn became the first female State Councillor of Selangor. Photo: Handout

It's difficult to be a woman in government - then and now - in Malaysia.

In addition to all the responsibilities and duties associated with a public service role, a woman also has to deal with prejudices and preconceptions surrounding gender.