KUCHING: The Sarawak Government practices the principle of meritocracy in every appointment to a position regardless of gender, with women given equal opportunities as long as they have the required capabilities, competencies and qualities, including in technical fields such as engineering.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg stressed that every position or responsibility given is based on the individual's merit and ability to carry out the entrusted responsibilities.

"Any position or task given is based on merit. Anyone is able to carry out the responsibility, including women, which has been proven by many female engineers in Jakarta.

"I was once invited to attend a briefing on the Limbang Bridge project, and the briefing was delivered by a woman. As long as someone has the qualifications of an engineer, gender is not a barrier," he said.

He said this at a townhall session organised by TVS in Kuching on Tuesday night.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, state and federal cabinet ministers, community leaders, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and students of higher learning institutions (IPT).

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the appointment of women to high-level positions in the civil service reflects the state government's commitment to empowering women in line with his unbiased stance towards any gender.

"We have just appointed a woman as the Deputy Sarawak Secretary. This shows that the government gives opportunities to women, as long as they do not face restrictions.

“If the woman is married, her spouse should not be jealous, because the responsibilities can be carried out well.

"For me, there is no problem because if she is capable, why not? I am not biased towards gender and according to party policy, opportunities are also given to women," he said.

The townhall was organised as a two-way communication platform between the state's top leadership and stakeholders, including the youth, to discuss current issues and the direction of Sarawak's comprehensive and inclusive development.

The programme, which was broadcast live on TVS, also reviewed Sarawak's development journey under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 with an emphasis on efforts to ensure inclusive growth, resilience and opportunities that can be enjoyed by the community throughout the state. -UKASnews