Minister Liew named Sabah’s ‘Most Outstanding Woman’
Published on: Saturday, March 02, 2024
By: Hayati Dzulkifli
Liew (7th right) receiving the award from Juliah, while Susan (6th left), Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China Dr Huang Shifang (5th left) and the six recipients of the “Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs Awards” look on.
Kota Kinabalu: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew was named Sabah’s “Most Outstanding Women 2024” at the State-level International Women’s Day celebration organised by the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK), here, Thursday night.
Chief Minister’s wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag presented the award to Liew during the event, themed “Women Make the World Beautiful,” at Hakka Hall.
ADVERTISEMENT
USCCAKK President Datuk Susan Wong said Liew deserved to be given the recognition as she is a role model and an iconic well-rounded woman.
She said the former Tawau MP made history by becoming the first Chinese woman in Sabah to be appointed Deputy Chief Minister in 2018, adding Liew was also the first Chinese woman to contest in a parliamentary election when she stood in Tawau in 1986.
“Liew has a long list of successful achievements and her positive attributes of determination, perseverance, diligence and resilience are a source of inspiration to many aspiring women.
“I spotted her propensity for helping people even before she became an elected representative in 2013. Liew is caring, optimistic and persistent, and will not give up easily as reflected in the inherent ups and downs of her political journey since the 1980s.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We are happy that she has made a comeback as the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister after a lapse of two years. She is regarded as the right person for the portfolio and is now the only Chinese woman Minister in the current State administration,” said Susan.
During the event, Juliah also presented six “Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Awards” to Molly Moo Li, Lam Lee Chin, Stephanie Wee, Jessie Jong, Dr Serrene Tan and Regina Cheung Tzit Ling for the hardships they endured and sacrifices that have made them who they are today.
ADVERTISEMENT
Susan said the seven women, including Liew, are strong and have built successful careers with their extraordinary wisdom and intelligence, and their struggles and determination to succeed have inspired countless women to achieve their dreams.
She said Liew also founded the Tawau Chinese Women Association in 1989 to pave the path for the inauguration of the Sabah United Chinese Women Association (SUCWA) in 1995. Subsequently she headed SUCWA as its founder president (1996-1998).
“Liew was also instrumental in setting up the Confederation of Sabah and Sarawak Federations of Chinese Women Associations as Protem Deputy President in 1996 before helming the organisation as President and then Honorary President until the early years of the New Millennium.
She also founded the Society of Hope Kota Kinabalu, Sabah I 2007.
Meanwhile, Liew, a lawyer-turned politician, said she was deeply honoured by the kind gesture of USCCAKK.
I would like to share this accolade with women from the Tionghua and other communities.
Women empowerment through education and training, coupled with an unwavering commitment to one s endeavour, is a powerful tool for us to break the glass ceiling and move on to a new stage of our lives.
Multitasking women can jointly rule the world (alongside their supportive male counterparts) if they (women) are confident, focused, meticulous and believe in their abilities, said Liew.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
