DEFENDING the Federal Constitution to ensure unity and harmony among the multi-racial citizens of Malaysia is among the five-point collective resolution signed by heads of women’s wing of the unity government parties.
The resolution, known as “Tekad Wanita Perpaduan”, is also to enable women to become the main driver in community development and implement the women empowerment agenda to ensure that women play an important role in the country’s economy.
Ensuring 30% participation of women in decision-making at all levels and protecting the rights and interests of women and making sure that they are defended and given protection in terms of safety, welfare, education, social and human rights aspects are also part of the resolution.
The resolution was signed by Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, Pakatan Harapan’s Aiman Athirah Sabu, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah of GPS, Norfaizah Chua of Warisan and Datuk Flovia Ng of GRS.
The inking was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri read out the five resolutions.
Noraini, who also spoke at the convention, said the roles and duties of women in developing the country should not be trivialised.
“There are women’s strength from not one or two but 19 parties gathered here in this hall this morning. Each of them have their own strengths and speciality,” she said.
She said focus must be given on a few aspects.
These include ensuring 30% women’s participation in policy making, being prepared to weather the challenging economic headwinds and increasing women participation in the public and private sectors.
“I am confident and I believe that we will be able to build a greater Malaysia. We can make the impossible, possible!” she said.
The unity government convention began with two parallel sessions – the National Women Convention and the National Youth Convention.
The convention also saw one time political foes and now partners putting their pasts aside and working together as partners in the unity government.
Thanking her friends from the other coalitions and parties for being together in the unity government, Noraini said despite coming from different parties, the members had been able to hold professional, peaceful and harmonious discussions to carry the agenda for the country and the people’s good.
“For decades, we were political foes, competing in the field, we had opposing political ideologies and understanding.
“However, today the aura is extraordinary. We are sitting on the same table sharing and fine tuning ideas together, to carve the direction and mission so that we have the same tune,” she said.
Wanita PKR chief Fadhlina Sidek said the meeting was an “important optic” for the people to know the unity government was ready to serve and ensure victory in the upcoming six state polls.
“I never imagined that the Dewan Merdeka, which is the base for Umno and Barisan Nasional, would become the meeting point for the entire unity government’s women’s wing,” she said, referring to Pakatan Harapan’s one-time foe and now partners.
Meanwhile, Aiman said the Madani development programmes must count women as active participants.
The session also saw various women leaders paying tribute to women and mothers with their Mothers Day wishes.
At the end of the convention, the women chief gathered on stage with Ahmad Zahid to cut a cake to commemorate Mothers Day.
