Kota Kinabalu: Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Wanita Chief Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun said every leader must champion the rights of the people, especially in defending women’s dignity and interests.
“I commend Kunak Assemblywoman Datuk Norazlinah Arif for speaking up on women’s rights, particularly on issues affecting their dignity. If women remain silent and fail to stand up for their honour, especially when it involves sensitivity and morality, who else will?
“Her actions should inspire other leaders, and all women, to boldly uphold our rights. People cannot just make inappropriate jokes without boundaries,” she told reporters during her Aidilfitri open house at her house, here, Saturday.
She said this in reaction to a widely circulated social media clip of a State Legislative Assembly session, where Norazlinah expressed disappointment over being playfully punched by Merotai Assemblyman Sarifuddin Hata during a previous sitting.
In the video, Norazlinah argued that such actions, even if meant as a joke, were unacceptable. The exchange also involved Lamag Assemblyman Datuk Bung Moktar Radin and Sarifuddin.
Azizah said that women’s participation in Sabah’s governance under GRS proves the State Government takes their role seriously.
“We have achieved 30 per cent women’s involvement across key positions, including Government Link Companies chairpersons and board directors. This is not about monopolising power but working alongside men (who hold 70 per cent) to develop and progress our beloved Sabah,” she added.