By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Aug 2 — Bukit Melawati state assemblyman Juwairiya Zulkifli has recommended the Selangor government create a representative position not based on any given constituency, for women under the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) as a move to empower that social category.
She said doing so will ensure the 30 percent target of involving women as decision-makers can be properly achieved.
“In empowering women’s leadership efforts and raising them to become decision-makers, I recommend a long-term action plan be implemented as how it is done in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly.
“Numerous studies have indicated that if more women are involved in decision-making, then more policies and programmes will have a positive impact on them and their families,” Juwairiya said.
Speaking at the debate on RS-1 during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session recent, she added that she also supports the plan’s agenda targeting 75 percent of women in the job market by 2025.
“I enthusiastically welcome women to continue their careers, and hope more will return to the workforce and contribute to the country’s development. I hope this target is followed by action,” Juwairiya said.
On July 27, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari tabled the RS-1, which is expected to be Selangor’s development framework in five years and has a total cost of RM212.44 billion.
He said that RM92.44 billion had been set aside for state-level development initiatives, including the introduction of a number of incentives to ensure the welfare of the people.
