KOTA KINABALU: Equal opportunities for women to inherit ancestral land must be addressed as part of Malaysia’s broader push for women’s empowerment, said Nominated Assemblywoman and PKR Kota Kinabalu chief Grace Lee Li Mei in conjunction with International Women’s Day.
She said certain cultural practices still favour male heirs in the division of inherited land and property, limiting women’s economic security and independence.
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Grace noted that although Malaysia has made progress in advancing women’s rights, including laws against domestic violence and workplace harassment, more must be done to ensure equal participation and opportunities across sectors.
She highlighted that women make up nearly half of the country’s population and their role in shaping national development, including politics, continues to grow.
The lowering of the voting age to 18 has also enabled more young women to participate in the democratic process, she added.
Grace also pointed to the government’s policy requiring at least 30 per cent of managerial positions in the public sector to be held by women, but said stronger implementation and greater commitment from the private sector are needed.
“Women play a crucial role in the workforce and in caring for families. Policies that support their participation in leadership and employment are essential,” she said, urging continued efforts to expand opportunities for women in politics, business and the corporate sector.
