KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional will give women greater priority in social and development aspects if it wins the coming Sabah state elections, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Deputy Prime Minister and Umno chairman said the women’s machinery has consistently executed its duties and responsibilities well at every programme.
He said women make up around 56% of the workforce while men account for 83%.
“I am sure if given the opportunity, and with various initiatives planned and implemented to help women elevate their lives, participation in the workforce will increase, even if working from home,” Ahmad Zahid said.
Ahmad Zahid said this at the launch of the Inspirasi Wanita Luar Biasa TVET Jelita Giatmara 2025 programme on Saturday (Sept 27) at which he approved refurbishment and electrical repairs for 4,000 houses statewide under the Seri programme by Giatmara.
Seri is an electrical maintenance programme that helps women from B40 families install or repair house wiring, among other support.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National TVET Committee, reminded implementers not to select only friends and relatives for the programme.
He said those who truly need the services and assistance must not be sidelined and urged the overall committee to work together to ensure the programme’s core purpose reaches its targets and objectives.
On related matters, he said women leaders in the party should be given a chance to prove their capability in the coming state elections.
He said this should not wait until after the polls, although Sabah Barisan chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin wishes to focus on it later.
Ahmad Zahid called women the backbone of the party and said they could contribute more to Barisan and the community.
Bung Moktar earlier highlighted the roles of women in social and economic settings as well as in elections.
“We need to place Barisan as the choice for change among voters in Sabah.
“We have prepared our machinery for three years, and we must work together and move forward, avoiding clashes due to minor disagreements,” he added.
The TVET Jelita Giatmara 2025 programme is a collaboration between Giatmara and Kelab Jelita to empower women through TVET training.
The one-day programme targeted women from Gaya, Penampang, Sepanggar, Tuaran and Putatan.
The objectives include helping women increase their marketability and entrepreneurship potential, and positioning TVET as an important path for women’s human capital development.
A total of 278 women took part in courses on tailoring, pastry, beauty, handicrafts and basic technical skills.
