Aipa pushes for women, youth empowerment in Asean nation-building
"Alhamdulillah, in Malaysia, women's involvement is very encouraging in certain areas, particularly in the public sector's supporting services, where we have likely surpassed 50%, and in the education sector as well,' he told reporters after the Asean Leaders' Interface with Representatives of Aipa, held on the sidelines of the 46th Asean Summit on Monday (May 26).
However, he noted that women remain underrepresented in other key fields, especially politics, and emphasised the need to empower young women to take on leadership roles.
"This is the area we want to push, so that the participation of young ladies becomes more active and prominent,' he said.
Johari, who is the Dewan Rakyat Speaker, also called for greater empowerment of youth as future leaders, stressing that their aspirations must be meaningfully incorporated across all sectors, including politics, the economy, social development and education.
He reaffirmed the shared commitment of Asean leaders and Aipa member parliaments to advancing a more inclusive, sustainable and people-centred regional community.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives noted that Johari commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership as Asean Chair and emphasised the importance of strong collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in shaping regional policy.
The statement also highlighted the need to strengthen parliamentary initiatives supporting the empowerment of women and youth, the acceleration of digital integration and the advancement of green and sustainable economic growth.
As the current Asean Chair, Malaysia is hosting the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from May 26 to 27.
The Asean-Aipa Leaders' Interface is a dedicated platform for dialogue between Asean heads of state/government and the Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and representatives of AIPA Member Parliaments to align regional priorities through inclusive, multi-stakeholder governance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Barnama
Malaysia-led Observer Team Check On Security Along Cambodian Border
The team, led by Malaysian Defence Attaché to Cambodia Col Nazlee Abdul Rahman, conducted a field trip to gauge the latest developments along the border areas that have been a flashpoint recently. PHNOM PENH, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- The Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire monitoring effort is gaining momentum with a seven-nation Interim Observer Team (IOT) visiting border areas today to assess the security situation. Cambodian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spokesperson Ministry Chum Sounry urged Malaysia to assist in the monitoring process to prevent any escalation of the conflict. 'Cambodia urges Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair, and ceasefire co-facilitators to quickly establish a robust, impartial monitoring mechanism to prevent escalation and protect civilians and soldiers,' he said during a media briefing earlier today. The IOT includes representatives from ASEAN member states - Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Malaysian Reserve
9 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysia, ASEAN members work closely to advance safe, regulated nuclear technology
JOHOR BAHRU — Malaysia has been working closely with ASEAN member countries to strengthen regional cooperation to ensure the safe, secure, and regulated use of nuclear technology in the region. Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal (picture) said various initiatives, including capacity-building programmes, technical exchanges, and strategic collaborations, have strengthened regional preparedness and resilience against emerging challenges. 'None of these achievements would have been possible without your (ASEAN members') longstanding support and collaboration,' he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the 12th Annual Meeting of ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) here today. Also present were Atom Malaysia director-general Noraishah Pungut and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute director Dr Carlo Abundo Arcilla. Mohammad Yusof said Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEANTOM this year, remains fully committed to ASEANTOM's shared goals and will continue to contribute actively as a dedicated member. He said this is in line with the official theme for Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', under which Malaysia will ensure that no one is left behind and that every ASEAN citizen benefits from the region's progress and sustainability. 'While promoting development that safeguards our environment and ensures long-term prosperity for generations to come, may our continued collaboration also pave the way for a safer, more innovative, and sustainable future for all,' he said. Mohammad Yusof also stressed that the spirit of unity, trust, and cooperation that defines ASEAN and the ASEANTOM must continue so that the peace and prosperity of the region can be maintained. Earlier, at the closing ceremony of the meeting, Malaysia officially handed over the chairmanship of ASEANTOM to the Philippines, marking the end of its term as chair. Meanwhile, Arcilla said the Philippines, as the incoming chair, is fully dedicated to working hand in hand with all member states, dialogue partners, and the ASEAN Secretariat. 'As we take on this role, we do so with a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. 'Let us continue working together to ensure our region remains safe, secure, and well-prepared in the face of evolving nuclear and radioactive challenges,' he said. — BERNAMA
Barnama
9 hours ago
- Barnama
‘Bersejahtera Bersama' – Singapore, Malaysia Mark Six Decades Of Enduring Ties
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, has called for the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between Singapore and Malaysia, as both countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. Speaking at Singapore's 60th National Day reception on Thursday, Vanu said the milestone was a celebration of the 'shared success and prosperity of both our nations' under the theme 'Bersejahtera Bersama.' 'In Malay, the prefix 'Ber-' conveys a sense of shared action, of doing something together. This aptly captures our bilateral relationship over the past 60 years. bootstrap slideshow 'One that has grown into a deeply intertwined partnership, built on trust and forged by working together, both in good times and otherwise. And, where we have prioritised shared prosperity for the betterment of our peoples,' he said. Gracing the event as Guest-of-Honour was Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Also present were Singapore's Senior Minister of State Low Yen Ling, Minister of State Baey Yam Keng, government representatives, the business community, members of the diplomatic corps, and Singaporeans living in Malaysia. Vanu highlighted three 'Ber-' words as anchors of the relationship, noting that bekerjasama (working together) has been reflected in regular high-level engagements. 'My journey in Malaysia began during my time as a slightly more junior officer many years ago. Having spent close to 14 years total in Kuala Lumpur, I have had a front row seat to the evolution of the remarkable partnership we celebrate today,' he said. According to him, both leaders continue to maintain strong ties and revealed that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who has attended the 46th ASEAN Summit hosted by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, will attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in October.
