Women in civil service are nation-builders, not just supporting figures, says Chief Secretary
PUTRAJAYA: Women in the civil service are not just supporting figures in government agencies but capable leaders, policy thinkers, and nation-builders, says Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Citing 2023 data from the Public Service Department (PSD), the Chief Secretary to the Government noted that women made up 59.3% of the public sector workforce, or a total of 765,616 employees, surpassing the number of male civil servants.
"The hand that rocks the cradle is capable of rocking the world. This is very much in line with the seventh target under the Madani economy framework, which aims for a 60% female labour force participation rate by 2033."
Shamsul Azri made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the 43rd annual general meeting of the Malaysian Association of Wives and Women Civil Servants (Puspanita), officiated by its patron, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, here Wednesday (June 25).
Shamsul Azri, who is also Puspanita's advisor, emphasised that women are no longer just supporters but are agents of change and capable, respected leaders.
"It's not an exaggeration to say that empowering women today isn't only about preserving a legacy of leadership - it's about expanding their reach and strengthening their opportunities," he said.
Shamsul Azri also expressed hope that Puspanita would align its new direction with national development goals through the upcoming Puspanita Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
"One key area Puspanita must continue to prioritise is welfare and volunteer programmes," he added, citing Puspanita's recent on-ground support for victims of the Putra Heights gas pipe explosion as an example of meaningful engagement that brought real impact to affected communities.
Also present at the event were Puspanita president Puan Sri Maheran Jamil, Prime Minister's Department senior deputy secretary-general Datuk Abd Shukor Mahmood, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) deputy editor-in-chief Nasriah Darus. - Bernama
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Unity government partners in the state, including his Sabah Parti Keadilan Rakyat as well as activists feel his plea to the UMS disciplinary board to not expel or suspend the students amounts to interfering in the work of the police and disciplinary board. Hence, they hope both the police and UMS Disciplinary Board would ignore his call and penalise the students concerned as a warning to others. Labuan activist Haji Abdul Jalil Ghani said the PM seems to have forgotten his own advice to Malaysians in March and again earlier this month that the rule of law must always be upheld and respected by all. 'Is the Prime Minister signalling that it is okay if the rule of law does not apply to all despite the severity of the students' actions?' he asked. He cited Anwar's remarks on managing sensitive issues over places of worship as well as in the case brought against him (Anwar) by one Muhd Yusoff Rawther. 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Shahril also criticised the involvement of Warisan leaders as evidenced in videos, claiming they exploited the students for political gain ahead of the 17th State Election. 'Warisan leaders should show good example, not create unrest in the state capital,' Shahril said. 'This foreign culture is excessive. Burning, provocation and chaos are not the culture of Sabahans known for civility, respect and moderation. 'The actions of a handful of students most of who are not even Sabahans clearly invite division, disturb harmony, and tarnish the UMS,' he said. He urged UMS management to take action to ensure the university is not used as a platform for external political manoeuvring. He said students should fight issues with knowledge and arguments, not emotions and uncivilised street actions. Pensiangan Keadilan Youth (AMK) Chief Mohd Guntur Sangkar said the actions of the students are irresponsible and uncivilised. 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'Not by ridiculing or insulting symbols of leaders who are bringing notable changes to the country's administration,' Kuzaimih added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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