KUALA TERENGGANU - Ladang Assemblyman Zuraida Md Noor states becoming an Exco is not the only way to bring the voices of Terengganu women to the top levels.
She said while she served as an assemblyman in the past, she was able to carry out the responsibility to carry out her mission to fight for the fate of women in Terengganu.
"Last Tuesday the Terengganu Menteri Besar with his selected 10 Exco line up successfully took their oath in front of the Terengganu Sultan, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin. The following day the scope of tasks and portfolio for each Exco was finalised.
"A polemic arose when Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh seemed to question why a woman did not represent the women’s portfolio.
"I think you don’t specifically have to become an Exco to bring the voice of Terengganu women to the top level. Previously, as an assemblyman I was able to carry out the responsibility ,” she said when contacted by Sinar on Sunday.
Yeoh previously voiced her worries on her Twitter account regarding the composition of the Terengganu government Exco, noting that there was a lack of women.
Hannah went on to note that the exco line up only saw men appointed.
Zuraida said she was appointed as the Welfare, Women’s Development, Family and National Unity Committee deputy chairman and represented the only woman assemblyman in Terengganu who would shoulder the responsibility.
"Insya-Allah as the Welfare, Women’s Development, Family and National Unity Committee deputy chairman I will work with the Exco for the portfolio which is Ajil Assemblyman Maliaman Kassim to ensure Terengganu women’s voices continue to be heard
"I will continue with what we have been working on including the Terengganu Autism Welfare Centre, Terengganu Women’s Policy, Terengganu Women’s Alliance Council as a guide as well as ensuring the Terengganu Women’s Trusts is fully functioning,” she said.
Zuraida urged for all parties to pray for her for the strength to shoulder such a huge responsibility
"I hope for support from all parties. Insya-Allah I will manage it to the best of my ability to ensure the wishes for a developed, blessed and prosperous Terengganu would be achieved and the public can enjoy its results,” she explained.