KPWK welcomes new permanent secretary Nur Alina

KUCHING (Jan 9): The Sarawak Ministry of Women, Children and Community Welfare (KPWK) ensured continuity in its administrative leadership with a handing-over ceremony for its permanent secretary today.

Datu Felicia Tan formally passed her duties to Nur Alina Abdullah @ Colliner Gohe.

Tan, who had served as permanent secretary since 2024, has been appointed Deputy State Secretary (Administration) effective Jan 1 this year.

The ceremony also highlighted the appointments of two new senior officers: deputy permanent secretary Kathereen Lalai Eddie Saga, and head of policy and strategic planning division Rohana Mohamad Ali.

In her address, the minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah extended her congratulations to Tan on her promotion, calling it a proud moment for both the ministry and women across Sarawak.

“We are very happy for Datu Felicia. As women, not only in the ministry but throughout Sarawak, we are proud to see a woman appointed as deputy state secretary,” she said.

The minister said although Tan’s tenure at KPWK lasted just a year, it provided crucial exposure to key issues affecting women, families, and community well-being.

“She now understands the issues we champion — especially women’s empowerment, early childhood development, access and quality of early childhood education, and the 13 social issues we continue to address,” Fatimah said.

She also reminded Tan of the ministry’s ongoing priorities, which include achieving 100 per cent access to early childhood education in Sarawak, strengthening support systems for vulnerable groups, and ensuring inclusive, high-quality services for children with special needs.

Expressing confidence in the incoming permanent secretary, Fatimah highlighted Nur Alina’s three years of experience within KPWK, most recently as deputy permanent secretary.
“Her familiarity with the ministry shortens the learning curve and allows her to focus immediately on the way forward.

“This puts KPWK in a strong position to move ahead with better performance and greater impact for the community,” she said.

Fatimah expressed hope that the leadership transition would further strengthen the ministry’s role in advancing community wellbeing, empowering women, supporting vulnerable groups and enhancing early childhood development across Sarawak.