KUCHING: Many women in Sarawak now occupy senior positions across sectors, including engineering and public administration, reflecting a merit-based approach that allows them to rise through the ranks based on capability and performance.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said women’s advancement in the state is guided by merit and ability, not gender, in line with Sarawak’s emphasis on performance-based opportunities.
“Many women rise because they deserve it. Whatever job or position one is given, it must be based on merit and what matters is the ability to perform,” he said.
He said this during Townhall Session with the Premier on Tuesday night (Jan 13) at the Hikmah Exchange Event and Convention Centre.
Abang Johari highlighted the growing number of women engineers serving in the Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak, citing a recent project briefing on the Limbang Bridge that was delivered by a female engineer.
He said the presence of women in technical roles demonstrated that women were increasingly contributing to key infrastructure and development projects across the state.
“As long as you have the quality as an engineer — whether you can go on site, climb structures or enter disaster areas during floods — what is important is that you can carry out the job,” he said.
Abang Johari also said women have been appointed to senior administrative roles including deputy state secretary (DSS), reflecting Sarawak’s approach to providing opportunities based on capability rather than gender.
“This demonstrates our commitment to providing opportunities for women. Circumstances may differ, especially for those with family commitments, but as long as they are able to work and perform, opportunities are there,” he said.
He added that leadership would be incomplete without women’s participation, stressing the importance of balance in decision-making.
