Kota Kinabalu: Sabah DAP Wanita Chief Bronica Sikula has called on the Federal Government to fulfil Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) for women in the State to be genuinely empowered.
She noted that while Federal initiatives such as the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) have helped ease the burden on low-income households, particularly women, such assistance falls short when fundamental development gaps persist.
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“Many women in Sabah continue to face inadequate healthcare facilities, limited economic opportunities and poor basic infrastructure in certain areas.
“Aid such as the Sara provides some relief for purchasing essential goods amid rising living costs. But assistance alone is not enough if basic development issues remain unresolved, especially in Sabah,” she said.
She said this year’s International Women’s Day theme of “Give to Gain” speaks directly to Sabah’s situation when justice, opportunity and support are given to women and to the founding states of Malaysia, the nation as a whole grows stronger.
“Women play an important role in raising children, supporting the family economy and looking after their communities. But recognising that role must be more than symbolic gestures … it must be backed by real policies and fair development,” she said.
