First ever woman DG of education shares thoughts and hopes for Malaysian women

Dr Wan Azizah officiated the launch of Asiah’s biography, 'Tan Sri Asiah Abu Samah – A Woman Of Substance'.

The only wisdom we can hope to acquire is the wisdom of humility: humility is endless, and that’s what I know of Asiah, says former Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail at the recent launch of Tan Sri Asiah Abu Samah’s biography in Kuala Lumpur.

“She is very humble and quiet yet asserts her dynamic presence often without saying a word,” says Dr Wan Azizah who officiated the launch of Tan Sri Asiah Abu Samah - A Woman of Substance.

In her speech, Dr Wan Azizah, who is one of Asiah’s former students at Tunku Kurshiah College in Negri Sembilan when she was the principal there, made the reference to English poet TS Eliot’s quote on humility, and expressed her appreciation for the contribution and knowledge that Asiah has made in her own life.

“She has shaped our lives and she is an icon to be emulated,” says Dr Wan Azizah.

The 203-page hardcover book is a tribute to the leadership, vision and contribution as well as the illustrious career of Asiah, who is the first woman to be appointed as director-general of the Education Ministry in 1991.

The biography was co-authored by five of her former students when she was the principal at Tunku Kurshiah College: Sharifah Maimunah Syed Zain, Asma Abdullah, Rodziah Ahmad Tajuddin, Rozita Rosli and Naziah Nawawie.

Wan Azizah expresses her appreciation for the contribution and knowledge that Asiah - her former school principal - has made and imparted into her life.

At the launch, Asiah shared her thoughts and hopes for women in Malaysia.

On women in leadership in Malaysia, in the workplace and other areas, she says that the situation is much better now but there still aren’t enough women leaders.

“I think our situation is much better now than when I was a teenager or when I first entered the education service over 30 years ago,” says Asiah, now 87.

“There was always a growing number of women in the working world, especially in the field of teaching. Women have always dominated the teaching world, especially now – more than 60% of our educators in schools and universities are women,” she says.

“But there is still some dissatisfaction on the status of women, especially in the area of politics where there needs to be at least 30% of women’s representation in decision-making posts.

Politicians are responsible for making important decisions and policies that impact the future of the country and state and frankly, there are not enough women leaders in politics, says Asiah.“Politicians of parliament or state such as our Members of Parliament are responsible for making important decisions and policies that impact the future of the country and state. And frankly, there are actually not enough women,” says Asiah.

She added that the “motherhood disposition and skills”, the pendidik (educational) training and tendencies in women are helpful, even in politics.

“Women’s empathetic nature brings balance to the equation and helps ensure better decisions are made for the people.

“And it’s not just in politics, but also in other areas of leadership such as in the workplace and organisations,” she adds.

Wan Azizah officiates the launch of 'Tan Sri Asiah Abu Samah - A Woman Of Substance'.

Having said all that, Asiah believes that there are a few women in the political arena who are doing “a very good job” and more should be encouraged.

“Men need to be more understanding and helpful in terms of urging more women to be involved in decision-making, especially since these decisions impact women who are half of our population too,” she says.

Asiah has a positive view on women’s equality in Malaysia.

“Over thirty years ago when I first joined the Education Ministry, there was no female secretary-general or director-general. There were just one or two women Members of Parliament, says Asiah.

“When I was made director-general, my female friends and some of my male supporters were happy. After that, there were a lot of women secretary-generals appointed – I believe the number has increased – in ministries and also the Prime Minister’s Department and they are doing a very good job,” she says.

“So far, I’ve not heard any negative things about them. Of course, there are a few bad apples in every barrel – this applies not just to women but men too – and it’s the same in any institution/organisation, but the good outweighs the bad,” she adds.

The motherhood disposition and skills, educational training and tendencies in women are helpful, even in politics. Women's empathetic nature brings balance to the equation and helps ensure better decisions are made for the people, says Asiah.She says that women who rise in their ranks have to be really good because so much more is expected of them.

“They’re scrutinised to a greater extent and often given a more ‘severe’ appraisal than the men. It is unfortunate, but it also works to the advantage of the women who tend to excel in what they do,” says Asiah.

Her hope for Malaysia is that there will be “more women taking up decision-making roles that impact the country”.

“But we have to be realistic. Rome was not built in a day. It takes time to achieve that,” she says.

Speaking about women leaders in the workplace, Asiah says that some men managers believe women “tend to be finicky or micro-manage”.

“But I believe that a bit of micro-management is necessary. A lot of bosses delegate but they don’t really notice nor realise what their staff is doing after that. People in top management are often too busy to check whether their downliners are doing ok,” she explains.

“Also, good management should be democratic. Decisions should be made together with the other managers and not alone in the company. And both men and women should be included.

“Cooperation is the principle in order to achieve what you want,” she says.

“The boss has to listen to the employees, and shouldn’t discourage or deny them the right to have their say. The employees also need to speak up and discuss the issues they face at work.”

Asiah’s advice for the young women in Malaysia is to “do your part and play your role”.

“Do your job faithfully and sincerely. Believe in the organisation you work with and avoid corruption. Of course, this also true for the men,” she concludes.