KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian on Wednesday paid tribute to several Sarawakian women icons in conjunction with International Woman’s Day.
In a Facebook posting he firstly credited the late Barbara Mendu Bay, one of the founding members of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) who also pioneered the SUPP Women’s wing in 1974.
“The exceptional Iban lady was also the first president of Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS). A courageous woman who dedicated her life to volunteer work and political activism in Sarawak, Barbara even started a school to cater to poor children living in the Sekama area where she lived,” said Dr Sim who is SUPP president.
Last year, SUPP and SIDS established the Barbara Mendu Bay Education Fund to honour her remarkable contributions to the community.
The posting was also dedicated to Ambassador Gloria Corina Peter Tiwet, who is the Malaysia’s Ambassador to Brazil and the first woman ambassador from the Dayak community.
Prior to this, Gloria served as Malaysian High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria in 2018.
Next on the list was the nation’s diving queen, Datuk Pandelela Rinong, who made history in clinching the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the 10m platform diving event.
“Her achievement was a source of inspiration and pride for Sarawakians, especially for young girls who dream of breaking the gender barrier and achieving greatness in their chosen fields.
“She has also become a role model for aspiring athletes and for all fellow Sarawakians,” he said.
Also on the list was Lucy Lingam, who held the Kapitan post for 11 years before being appointed as the first Indian woman Penghulu in Sarawak in 2019.
Dr Sim commended her contributions to all communities in Sarawak.
Another mention was Datuk Yew Jen Kie who made history in 2010 when she was elevated as Sarawak’s first woman judge in the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak.
“Justice Yew’s achievement not only serves as an inspiration to many women aspiring legal professionals, but also a testament to the boundless potential of women to succeed in any field, regardless of gender stereotypes or societal expectations,” he said.
