Women leadership plays critical role in Sarawak’s development, says Premier

KUCHING (Jan 28): Sarawak will continue to provide women with leadership and decision-making opportunities as part of the state’s development agenda, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said women play a critical role as partners in development, and Sarawak’s progress cannot be achieved without their active participation.

“Within the structure of the Sarawak civil service, we have provided space for women to make decisions at the state level.

“We have a newly appointed woman Deputy State Secretary, and senior positions in the civil service have also been opened to women,” he said during the International Women’s Day 2026 Borneo Zone Celebration at a hotel here.

He highlighted the appointment of the first female chief executive officer (CEO) of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), describing it as a milestone in the state’s governance and economic leadership.

“This is the first time SEDC has had a woman CEO. Certainly, as an important body in the state’s economy, the role of women in driving our economic development has now found its place, and I hope SEDC will continue to progress under female leadership,” he said.

Abang Johari also noted the appointment of a woman CEO at the Sarawak Port Authority, adding that more leadership roles would continue to be opened to women across state agencies.

“There are many more positions that we will give to women, even though mine is no longer by my side,” he said.

He said women form the backbone of families and society, encompassing mothers, daughters, community leaders, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and private sector workers who drive Sarawak’s development.

“If women are strong, families will be strong. If women in Sarawak are strong, Sarawak will be strong,” he said.

On policy direction, Abang Johari said the Dasar Wanita Negara dan Pelan Tindakan Pembangunan Wanita 2025-2030 would serve as key frameworks to empower women in a holistic and structured manner.

“These policies emphasise economic empowerment, leadership development, strengthening safety and social protection, and enhancing the overall well-being of women,” he said.

He added that women’s participation in the labour force in Sarawak continues to increase, reflecting growing confidence among women to work, run businesses, and contribute to household economies.

“Women’s economic empowerment is not merely about numbers, but about ensuring that every woman has her own income, self-confidence, and a more secure future,” he said.

Abang Johari also underscored the importance of women’s involvement in Sarawak’s transition towards a new economy encompassing green energy, hydrogen, the digital economy, aerospace, creative industries, and high technology.

“The future economy will not succeed if women are not involved. We need women engineers, women scientists, women data specialists, women technology entrepreneurs, and women leaders in every new sector.

“There is no difference between women and men when it comes to merit-based opportunities,” he said.

On social well-being, he said women in Sarawak recorded a higher happiness score than men according to the 2024 People’s Happiness Index.

“According to the 2024 People’s Happiness Index, women in Sarawak scored higher than men — 7.54 compared to 7.52 — which is why women are always smiling. We men have to catch up.

“Women who are well physically, mentally, and emotionally help build stronger families and more resilient communities. This requires integrated collaboration between the federal government, the Sarawak government, implementing agencies, and civil society, in line with the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’,” he added.

The event also saw the handover of the Dasar Wanita Negara dan Pelan Tindakan Pembangunan Wanita 2025 – 2030 book which highlighted women’s voices, ensuring that every woman is given the space, opportunities, and support to create a lasting legacy for future generations.