SIBU: The Bukit Assek branch of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) celebrated International Women’s Day with a new tradition, giving out 2kg of cooking oil to Bukit Assek women voters.
According to Bukit Assek Assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, every year the branch will organise a gathering for SUPP Bukit Assek women’s wing in conjunction with the celebration, involving only party members.
“Previously, we organised a dinner function on this day, but this year we decided on a different approach – giving away cooking oil so that more women could participate.
“We asked our SUPP Bukit Assek women’s wing what we should give to women on this day. Of course, we can’t afford diamonds.
“They suggested cooking oil, which in Chinese is similar to ‘jia yu’ (come on), a motivating word,” he said when met by reporters today.
A total of 500 bottles of cooking oil were given out to women voters today, and another 500 will be given out the next day (Mar 9).
Chieng said the programme was to honour the achievements and contributions of women to society in whatever roles they were playing.
“This is also a day for us to emphasise the voice of women and renew our commitment, especially on gender equality, as women can also be the prime minister, top leader, and scientist,” he added.
Also present was SUPP Bukit Assek branch chairman Datuk Chieng Buong Toon.
