KOTA KINABALU: The decision whether or not to increase women's representation in policymaking processes will rest with the country's top leadership.
Sabah Wanita Umno chief Senator Datuk Noraini Idris said the wing has consistently welcomed more women leaders to participate in state legislatures, parliamentary sessions and the Dewan Negara.
"However, this requires cooperation from everyone, not just among women; it requires men to welcome us so that we have increased representation in both legislatures.
"The struggle for 30 per cent women's participation in policymaking is something for which we have been fighting for a long time.
"But for the upcoming elections, we hope to see more women highlighted because they also possess the credibility and capability to be presented as candidates, although we leave the decision to the top leadership," she told the media during the Sabah Wanita Umno Hari Raya celebration at Wisma Kinsabina.
Noraini added that the wing has conducted tours in all 25 divisions in the state.
She said, during the "Jelajah" programme, there were interactions among women and observations of preparations regarding women's machinery for the state election next year.
Meanwhile, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad said that the wing's members from Peninsular Malaysia will also come to Sabah to provide details and training to prepare the machinery in Sabah for the upcoming elections.
"Everyone is busy preparing for the by-election in Kuala Kubu Baharu; however, preparations among Sabah Wanita members will start before other states, especially as we are facing this year's or next year's election.
"In terms of candidates, after discussing and deliberating with the women of the state, we will send these lists of candidates to the top leadership for consideration."
