KUCHING – Sarawak will be the first state in Malaysia to establish a dedicated Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusivity (D2EI) unit under the state Department of Women and Family, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The unit, which adopts the D2EI theme of Sarawak’s Women’s Day 2025, embodies the state’s commitment to a people-centred development approach that upholds fairness in diversity regardless of geography, gender, ethnicity, religion or ability.
At the Sarawak Women’s Day 2025 celebration held at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today, Abang Johari said the state government intends to strengthen women’s involvement in high-growth sectors.
“This includes support in the form of economic grants, digital entrepreneurship training and start-up assistance. We have grants from the government and the state holds some influence in Affin Bank as a major stakeholder.
“We have asked the bank to assist us in investment-related efforts, including lifelong learning opportunities. This will certainly empower women more comprehensively in line with the D2EI values,” he said.
He added the D2EI principles align with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, which also emphasises inclusivity, and believed these values could help raise household income and reduce poverty across the state over time.
Meanwhile, Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said her ministry is working with key organisations including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the 30% Club, and the Asian Women Leadership University College (AWLUC) to further strengthen the direction and implementation of the D2EI initiative.
In this regard, she said the ministry is seeking support and sponsorship from the Sarawak government to fund studies for selected individuals to pursue the Master of Arts in Leadership Development programme at AWLUC, which costs RM105,000 in total (RM35,000 per student for the entire duration).
Abang Johari approved the request, stating that the funding would be disbursed through Yayasan Sarawak.
Also present were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and Sarawak State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. – August 2, 2025