More women leaders In Sabah should be given posts, including as appointed state assemblymen, if Barisan Nasional (BN) and its allies win the Sabah state election on Sept 26 to form the state government, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said this would be appropriate recognition for the contributions of women leadership in the state.
“Of course, I am disappointed (over lack of women candidates) but there are several appointed posts that can be given to women leaders,” he added.
He said this at a gathering with the BN candidates for the Tanjung Batu and Kukusan state seats and a meeting with the party machinery in the Banyan polling district centre at Taman King Fook here last night.
Ahmad Zahid said the matter of appointed posts would be discussed with BN allies, including Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and PAS.
There are 43 women among the 447 candidates in the Sabah state election. The women candidates include two from UMNO, one from MCA, two from PN and one from PBS.
Meanwhile, Zahid has reportedly also promised to appoint Sabah political leaders from Umno and PAS into top positions if the pact wins the Sabah state election.
In a report by Berita Harian, Zahid was quoted saying while campaigning in Tawau that there will be negotiations with their partners in Perikatan Nasional (PN) to decide who gets which spots.
“There are several appointed posts that we will give to prominent figures in Sabah if we win the seats we’re contesting.
“God willing these appointments will also include allocations for Sabah Umno leaders, including those from PAS,” he said.
“We will negotiate with our friends in PN to allocate spots for our coalition partners as well,” he added.
The remark was made after Zahid reiterated that BN will be announcing its campaign manifesto tomorrow, promising a so-called “new deal” for the state.
Zahid said the “new deal” will not only return autonomy to Sabah, but also other promises that will offer “new hope” to voters in the state.
“God willing, we will offer this new deal if BN with our other partners can form the Sabah state government again,” he reportedly said.