SHAH ALAM, 31 May: The Selangor Pakatan Rakyat continues to make history by presenting a more prominent female voice in the state government administration for this term.
Pakatan leaders who were contacted said that this proves the commitment of the coalition in appreciating women’s ability in leading and not just a rhetorical mention.
Yesterday, Subang Jaya Assemblywoman, Hannah Yeoh was announced as the new Speaker for the Selangor State Assembly while four out of the 10 executive council positions were filled by women leaders.
Hannah is the first female speaker in the history of this country.
Her appointment is another benchmark, after the appointment of the Petaling Jaya City Council Mayor, Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad, and the appointment of the Deputy Speaker for the Selangor State Assembly for the last term, Haniza Talha.
Member of Parliament for Kota Raja, Siti Mariah Mahmud said that the ability of women leaders in Pakatan was apparent when they performed their duties and responsibilities well last term.
“We do not talk much, we do. Also showing the contributions of women and that women can perform.”
“With the existence of the highest ranked women making decisions, it is hopes that there will be more programmes including women. Regardless of being men or women, the people will be treated equally.
Out of the four women who were appointed for the Executive Council, three are from PKR and one from PAS. These women are Rodziah Ismail, Elizabeth Wong, Dr Daroyah Alwi and Dr Halimah Ali.
Dr Halimah, Rodziah and Elizabeth were part of the Exco last term.
Dr Halimah was appointed as the Education, Higher Education and Human Capital Development Exco; Dr Daroyah for Health, Entrepreneur Development, Technology and Innovation, and ELizabeth Wong Keat Ping for Tourism, Consumer Affairs and the Environment.
Meanwhile, Kulai MP, Teo Nie Ching hopes that this appointment will further expand the role of women in Selangor.
“If we look at the Federal Government, there 35 ministerial posts but only 2 are held by women. They only reach 5.7% but currently in Selangor, we have reached 40%”
“This also shows that compared to Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Rakyat is more committed to providing opportunities and platforms for women,” said Nie Ching.