PUTRAJAYA: PKR Wanita chief Fadhlina Sidek has reminded party members to avoid indulging in extravagance after assuming power in government.
She emphasised that leaders must practise humility and moderation in all aspects of their lives, including administering party affairs.
"I am fully aware of the responsibility of being a part of the cabinet, and specifically, the chief of PKR Wanita.
"It is indeed a heavy task, not meant for boasting, let alone extravagance. Yes, we are the government, but that is not a reason for us to boast or indulge in luxury.
"Instead, we should continue to adopt a modest approach in managing the affairs of the party," she said in her policy speech at the wing's congress here, today.
In her speech, Fadhlina, who is also Education Minister, demanded for more women representation in the country's political scene, urging for increased Parliamentary and state legislative assembly seats in the next elections.
She said the party leadership was committed to providing opportunities for more women to contest, and said this was crucial to ensure the voice of women would be heard.
This would also help in determining better policies to protect women, children, the elderly, and to promote gender equality, she said.
"According to the 2023 World Economic Forum report, Malaysia ranks poorly in terms of political empowerment among Asean countries.
"Moreover, we are far behind the 30 per cent female election candidates target, as only 12 per cent of female candidates were fielded during the 2023 state elections."
However, she highlighted that this trend was challenged by Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun when he fielded two women.
"We won 100 per cent of the seats held by women in Negri Sembilan, and then women state assemblymen there were also appointed as state executive councillors.
"Surely, we still have much room for improvement in women representation, but Negri Sembilan has set the parameters," she added.