9 hours ago
Guernsey elects first Muslim deputy
The first Muslim deputy in Guernsey has described her journey to office as a "really positive experience".Munazza Malik was elected to join the States of Guernsey after receiving 6,215 votes on Thursday. She said she was "looking forward" to her time in the States and said she would recommend running for election. Ms Malik, who moved to Guernsey five years ago, said: "I feel welcomed, I feel integrated into the community."
She added: "I've been here for over five years and I've been part of Women In Public Life since the beginning of last year. "I think that has really encouraged more women like me to understand the local politics and the issues around us, and stand for office." Women In Public Life is a voluntary organisation that formed in 2020 which aims to "inspire and support the women of Guernsey to stand for public office". Discussing how the island can encourage more diversity in the States, Ms Malik said: "I think we need more awareness in the public sector, just reaching out to those communities and making sure they engage in the dialogue. "That's how we make them interested in the local issues and feel welcome."
Negative comments
David Goy was also elected on Thursday, and he is the island's first deputy of East Asian origin. Discussing his campaign, Mr Goy said he received negative comments about his ethnicity from a "handful" of people."There is just a handful of people who might make certain comments, for example, where you're from but they're not asking a question, they're questioning you and that's a big difference," he said. "There were a few other comments about not being from here and not being local so how can you represent us."
But Mr Goy said anyone from a ethnic minority background looking to get into politics should not be concerned by the comment makers. He said: "It's expected but there is so little of them that they're nothing to be concerned about for anyone who's of a different ethnicity and wants to contribute to this island. "I say go ahead and don't let these people be a barrier."
