International Women’s Day Message 2010

Progress for women is progress for all. No enduring solutions to society’s most pressing problems can be found without the full empowerment and participation of women.

For Penang, it is the commitment of the Pakatan Rakyat to give equal and ample opportunities to women, especially in the civil service.

The Penang state government does not only provide lip service on this but has given ample opportunities for women in Penang to hold senior positions and lead in the civil service.

In fact, Penang is the first in the peninsula to appoint a woman to head a local council. Our appointment of architect Patahiyah Ismail to helm the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) is based on her capabilities, not based on her race, religion, gender or background.

Other women who hold senior positions in the state under the PR government include:

* Rohani Hassan, who serves as the Seberang Perai Selatan district officer;
* Shamiah Bilal, who is the legal adviser for the MPPP;
* Dr Judy Shoba Naidu, who heads the urban services department of the council;
* Maimunah Mohd Sharif, who is the general manager of the World Heritage office,
* Ms. Salmah Aspari, who is the general manager of Penang International Halal Hub (PIHH) Development Sdn. Bhd, and
* Ooi Geok Ling, who is the managing director of Penang Global Tourism.

They were all appointed by the Pakatan Rakyat government.

As a people-centric government which is committed to enable, empower and enrich the people, we are steadfast on our stand for women to be given equal opportunities to prove their worth and realise their potential.

If they are not given the rightful opportunities commensurate with their qualifications and abilities, they would be most welcome to come and join us in Penang.

Penang will break the glass ceiling for women!

Happy International Women’s Day.

LIM GUAN ENG