Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) flag.
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) Women’s Wing is advocating for 30% female representation in the upcoming 17th state election, scheduled for next year.
This initiative highlights a strong push for gender equality in Sabah's political sphere, as emphasised by GRS Women chief Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun, who acknowledged the crucial role women play in shaping the state's political landscape.
"We have 73 state seats across 25 parliamentary constituencies, and 30% equates to about 21 female candidates. That is not a lot, right?" Azizah queried.
She mentioned the political maturity of women in Sabah, underlining the importance of unity among female leaders to amplify their voices in advocating for the state’s rights.
After chairing the Women’s Wing executive committee meeting on Saturday (Oct 5), Azizah emphasised the need for stronger female representation, especially in the state’s parliamentary seats.
She also urged that the 30% target should include all parties within GRS, with the Women’s Wing actively preparing for the forthcoming electoral challenge.
The wing currently boasts nearly 18,000 female members across the state, ready to serve as ambassadors for the grassroots.
Despite ongoing efforts, Azizah acknowledged that achieving 30% female representation in parliament remains a nationwide challenge.
"We have not yet achieved the 30% target, but we will not give up. We want to continue fighting for that," she said, reiterating the wing’s commitment to increasing the number of female MPs.
However, Azizah stressed that female candidates must be more than just placeholders.
"We want to ensure that when we elect a candidate, she has the potential to win. She must be qualified and capable of leading, not just as a woman, but as a representative of Sabah," she said.
The GRS Women’s Wing is recognised for its unity, despite Sabah’s diverse ethnic and cultural landscape.
"In other parts of Malaysia, there are three major ethnic groups – Malay, Chinese, and Indian – but in Sabah, we have many. Despite our differences, we work together remarkably well," Azizah said, highlighting the state’s unique ability to foster collaboration among its people.
As the election approaches, GRS Women remains focused on increasing female representation while also supporting male candidates.
"We support everyone – not just women MPs, but men too. We’re only asking for 30% representation. That’s not too much," Azizah said.
When asked if she would consider running for office, Azizah clarified that she has retired: "I’m comfortable with my life. It wasn’t imposed upon me. I chose to retire, and there are many young people."
The former Beaufort MP and state minister, who began her political career in her 30s, also noted that younger female politicians, particularly those in their 20s and 40s, are experienced and more than capable of becoming candidates.
The meeting, attended by representatives from all 73 constituencies and 25 parliamentary areas, marks the start of a series of discussions aimed at increasing female involvement in the upcoming election.
