Sarawak State Election: Nominate more women as candidates, political parties urged

KUCHING, Oct 26 2026: Social activist Voon Shiak Ni has called on political parties to nominate more women as candidates in the coming Sarawak state election.

Caption: Social activist Voon Shiak Ni notes that in the general election in 2022  only 13.4 per cent of the total number of candidates were women while in the Sarawak state election in 2021, only 12.9 per cent were women given the chance to run for election . 

She said the continuous calls by women non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the 30 per cent quota for women as election candidates have not been given due attention by political parties in the past. 

"The target of 30 per cent women representation in politics can never be achieved if there is no commitment to materialise the numbers," she said in statement today.

"This under representation is a clear indication that more needs to be done to open the doors of political participation to women," Voon, a former state PKR women leader, stressed.

She noted that in the general election in 2022  only 13.4 per cent of the total number of candidates were women while in the Sarawak state election in 2021, only 12.9 per cent were women given the chance to run for election . 

"There is no political party which has managed to nominate at least 30 per cent women, signifying that the gap already exists before polling day.

"Around the world, we can see women elected as prime ministers for their countries, such as Japan and New Zealand," Voon said.

She hoped that for the  upcoming Sarawak state election, political parties should try to move away from a heavily male-dominated candidate selection system or practice . 

She added Sarawak is a progressive state with progressive leaders and good governance, and letting women to have the opportunities to run for election is a progressive politics . 

Voon said women must not be sidelined in politics, adding that they have the competence, experience and leadership qualities to contribute meaningfully to policymaking and the development of Sarawak.

"Political parties should move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to identify, nurture and nominate more capable women candidates in winnable constituencies.

"A more inclusive political landscape will bring broader perspectives, more balanced decision-making and stronger representation of the people’s interests.

"Give women a fair chance to contest, lead and serve. Sarawak cannot afford to leave half of its talent pool underrepresented in the political arena," Voon stressed, adding that that it is high time for meaningful change .

"Yes , women voters are always  proud to see their women race joining the fray running for election," she added.