Kuala Lumpur: Women in the civil service are not just supporting figures in government agencies but capable leaders, policy thinkers, and nation-builders, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Azri cited 2023 data from the Public Service Department (PSD), noting that women made up 59.3 percent of the public sector workforce, amounting to a total of 765,616 employees, which surpasses the number of male civil servants. He emphasized the significant role of women in governance and elaborated that, “The hand that rocks the cradle is capable of rocking the world.” This statement aligns with the seventh target under the MADANI Economy framework, which aims for a 60 percent female labor force participation rate by 2033.
During the closing ceremony of the 43rd Annual General Meeting of the Malaysian Association of Wives and Women Civil Servants (Puspanita), Shamsul Azri, who is also Puspanita’s advisor, underscored that women are no longer just supporters but are agents of change and capable, respected leaders. The event was officiated by its patron, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Shamsul Azri stated, “It’s not an exaggeration to say that empowering women today isn’t only about preserving a legacy of leadership – it’s about expanding their reach and strengthening their opportunities.”
He also expressed hope that Puspanita would align its new direction with national development goals through the upcoming PUSPANITA Strategic Plan 2026-2030. He highlighted that one key area Puspanita must continue to prioritize is welfare and volunteer programs, citing Puspanita’s recent on-ground support for victims of the Putra Heights gas pipe explosion as an example of meaningful engagement that brought real impact to affected communities.
The event was also graced by the presence of Puspanita president Puan Sri Maheran Jamil, Prime Minister’s Department senior deputy secretary-general Datuk Abd Shukor Mahmood, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) deputy editor-in-chief Nasriah Darus.