GE15: Sabah sees only 19% women representation from main groups

KOTA KINABALU – Women candidates in Sabah only account for 19% so far after the main political groups have unveiled their picks. 

To date, of the 78 candidates from Pakatan Harapan (PH), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Barisan Nasional (BN), and Warisan, only 15 are women.  

Five are from Warisan, seven from PH, two from BN’s Umno and one representing Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), which is part of the GRS state coalition.

First-time candidate Amanda Yeo, 28, who is Warisan’s pick for the Kota Kinabalu seat agrees that women are underrepresented in political parties, including her party.

She said it is important for more women to be involved in policy-making so their issues can be highlighted.   

“For instance, during the pandemic, there were women who could not afford to buy sanitary pads so they had to substitute with newspaper,” she told The Vibes, adding that these are among issues that would be highlighted by women MPs.   

She said political parties should also advocate for more women to join politics.   

Other than Yeo, the four Warisan women candidates are Kota Belud incumbent MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis, Jo-Anna Sue Henly Rampas (Tuaran), Rowiena Rasid (Beluran), and Siti Noorhasmahwatty Osman (Pensiangan).   

Isnaraissah Munirah also said she wished to see more women representing Warisan, as there are many talented and capable young women in the party.   

“I’m saying this as I am the Wirawati head (and) I have seen the way they work. They are definitely qualified and capable. 

“I hope in the near future there will be many more women representing the party, be it in Parliament or state seats.”

Meanwhile, DAP’s Batu Sapi candidate Liau Fui Fui said women will have a harder time than men in politics as they also need to balance the role of possibly being a parent. 

“But this does not mean that women cannot perform as well as men. Women today are no longer just housemakers and must be empowered so their rights can be protected. Thus, the importance of having more women representatives in Parliament,” she said.  

DAP’s Vivian Wong pointed to incumbent Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh who helped fought for tougher legislation on child abuse and stalking in Dewan Rakyat.

“That is why there should be a balance of women reps as backbenchers and in the cabinet.” 

Meanwhile, PH component party DAP is fielding four women – Sandakan incumbent Wong, Grelydia Gillow (Keningau), Liau (Batu Sapi), and Tenom incumbent Noorita Sual.  

PKR will field Datuk Christina Liew who would be defending her Tawau seat while Noraini Abd Ghapur is running for Kalabakan.

Upko’s sole woman candidate is Rowindy Lawrence Odong, contesting in Kimanis.  

PBS’ woman candidate is Yee Tsai Yiew (Kota Kinabalu) while Umno’s are Siti Aminah Aching (Beaufort) and Maizatul Akmam Alawi (Lahad Datu). – The Vibes, November 4, 2022

Additional reporting by Jason Santos