Wanita degelate: Set up bank for women

WANITA UMNO ASSEMBLY Wanita Umno wants the government to look into the possibility of setting-up a financial institution specifically catering for women.

The proposal was tabled by Perak delegate Nolee Ashilin Mohd Radzi, who also sought for an increase in the participation of women as economic and national decision makers.

She noted that the role of women in the economic sector is still lacking as they are not given such opportunities, despite women being the majority in local universities.

Nolee also echoed Wanita Umno chief Shahrizat Abdul Jalil's sentiments that more room be given to women in government-linked corporations.

She noted that women in GLC's only account for 11 to 14 percent over the years and this has not increased.

Another delegate, Wan Mohalina Wan Mohamed from Kedah, seconded Nolee's motion.

Wan Mohalina said if India can form the Bharathiya Indian Women's Bank last month, why shouldn’t Malaysia do the same.

“I know why India has formed a bank specifically catered for women as they know women can be the driving force in the economy.

“Hence, the Malaysian government and Umno should emulate this,” she added.

Wan Mohalina also wants the government to form a National Economic Action Council (MTEN) specifically catering for women.

This, Kedah delegate pointed out, is necessary so that it can look into more opportunities for women.

“Provide more entrepreneur opportunities for women, With the bank, women can take loans to find proper premises to set-up business and need not rely on pasar malam (night market).

“Do not be like this GLC (Petronas) which has sidelined the selling of our nasi lemak and other fast food. This has deprived wanita and makcik from selling their nasi lemak to this GLC.

“The government must look into this, as we do not want women entrepreneurs to be deprived further,” she said.

She also urged that several exclusive commercial sites, like in Pavilion and Kuala Lumpur, also be reserved for women.

Wan Mohalina also proposed that five per cent of the government's revenue be allocated for female entrepreneurs as done in the United States.

The motion on economy was accepted by the 955 delegates.