KUALA LUMPUR: The maiden Unity Government National Women's Convention got off to a warm start with women's wing leaders paying tribute to mums on Mother’s Day.
Extending her wishes to all mothers before starting her speech for the Bicara Wanita panel, Dr Florince Christy of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) also urged the delegates to wish one another.
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"This convention falls on Mother's Day," the deputy women's wing chief of GPS component Progressive Democratic Party said here on Sunday (May 14). This is Malaysia Madani, " said Christy.
Wanita MIC chief Datuk Mohana Muniandy not only wished the delegates but also serenaded them with Francissca Peter's song Setia, to which the crowd sang along.
“Women are the agents for change for Malaysia’s future.
"Women make up half of Malaysia’s population.
" We have to realise that women not only play the roles of mother, wife and (homemaker), but also play leaders, workers and entrepreneurs (making contributions) to the economy along with men,” she said.
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She said the convention was historic for bringing together members of different political parties on Mother’s Day.
Wanita DAP chief Chong Eng, who spoke after Mohana, said the convention brought Malaysians from different states and races together.
“We are bringing the women’s and mothers' agenda forward this morning.
"So how can we take steps forward to put aside our differences and focus on our commonality in line with the concept of inclusivity and accepting other Malaysians?” she said at the convention held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTC).
“How can we empower women to become an important part in the development of Malaysia Madani by giving them opportunities and including them in discussions and decision-making and fulfilling the target of 30% women decision-makers?” she said while adding that the Pakatan Harapan-led Penang government had implemented a gender inclusivity policy.
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On another note, Chong also said the day was significant to her as she was in the venue, next to Umno's Menara Dato' Onn headquarters, for the first time.
“Once we were foes, now we are friends for a better Malaysia and for everyone,” she said.
A total of 19 parties or the four major coalitions under the unity government umbrella have convened for the maiden unity government convention.
At the end of the session, women’s wings chiefs also gathered on the stage with deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to cut a Mother’s Day cake.
