From mother’s apron strings to political rings: Nancy Shukri’s path to politics

SHAH ALAM – We all have heroes, those guiding lights who illuminate our path and for Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, her hero wore an apron, not a cape.

As a young girl, she never envisioned herself on the political stage but politics found her, courtesy of her remarkable mother, the late Bibi MacPherson @ McPherson, who was the women's chief for a political party in a small village in Sarawak.

In a recent interview with Sinar Daily, Nancy revealed that while politics wasn't a career she actively pursued, she had always found joy in political discourse, even during her school days.

Reflecting on her journey, Nancy credited her mother for inadvertently introducing her to politics.

“Politics was not a path I actively pursued. It was my mother who brought me to it. It all goes back to my mother, she was there, making a real difference in the community.

"I was indirectly involved because, as the youngest daughter, mothers often bring you along wherever they go. So, I observed and listened to people, although I didn't realise it was politics at the time.

"My mother was leading the political party, overseeing the entire area, including Petrajaya. So, I was inadvertently exposed to politics through her.

“My mother had a natural inclination to help others. She is kind,” she said.

Being there with her mother as she helped the community sparked a desire for her to serve and make the world a better place.

Back in the "old days," before official titles, Nancy said her mother led the women across the river, overseeing countless villages.

Each village had its own leader, but it her mother was one of those who truly guided the women.

Recalling her childhood, Nancy said her house was nestled near the village’s surau and whenever her mom held meetings at the building, she could hear her voice booming through the microphone.

It wasn't just the words, though. Nancy marvelled at the way her mom spoke – no prepared speeches, just sentences from pure heart and wisdom.

These were the women leaders Nancy admired, the ones who spoke from the soul, not from a script.

“It's a reminder that heroes come in comfy clothes and inspiration can bloom in the most ordinary places – like a loving mom showing you how to change the world, one step at a time,” she said.

Nancy further reflected on her mother's people-centric nature, describing their home as a place where anyone could stop by for anything, even for the youths.

She recounted how her mother would encourage guests to help themselves from the fridge, illustrating her kindness.

In many ways, Nancy feels she has been following in her mother's footsteps, although circumstances have evolved over time.

“My parents could not afford much. My father was an independent (politician), an opposition. He had to find his own way, taking on odd jobs to make ends meet.

“Meanwhile my mother did not earn anything but she had willingly pawned her jewellery if she needed to, in order to help those in need,” she said.

Nancy said families in need would come to her doorstep and they would sought help with things like buying land, which was not cheap and her mother would take out her purse and gave what she could to help the people.

“I know this because I was the ‘record-keeper’– meticulously logging down every request. My mother however would always say it's not a loan, it's charity,” she said.

Aside from the adults, Nancy said her mother would often offer money to buy ice cream for children who gathered near their house.

Similarly, whenever youngsters looked famished, her mother would point them towards the fridge – a silent invitation to help themselves.

“My mother's actions instilled in me a deep sense of service, a way to truly connect with people and put their needs first. Looking back, I realised that is where her flames for people-centricity comes from.

“I enjoy politics, thrive on conversation, but the question of qualifications for being a politician always lingered. Maybe, like my mother, all it takes is a big heart and a willingness to help,” she said.

Nancy also slowly found herself naturally following her mother’s footsteps when she joined a non-governmental organisation – the same one her mother frequented – where she knew she could help even more people.

Her first official step into politics? Nancy said it was when she was offered a role as the late former Sarawak Governor Tun Taib Mahmud’s political secretary.

Though unfamiliar with the position, she thrived on political discussions by observing, debating, and sometimes offering a healthy dose of criticism.

"Good criticism. It is how you push for better things for your people. It doesn't mean you're against the government, just that you care,” she added.

This marked her formal entry into the world of politics, focusing on families, communities, and women – a world she was uniquely qualified for thanks to her mother's spirit.