111 VARIA RANAH 2023 Empowering Women Leadership In Malaysia MADANI Way: Government Sector INTRODUCTION This section will introduce the current leadership and its new policy framework in driving country mission and vision. It also highlights the financial support, assistance and commitment towards aligning women empowerment in Malaysia MADANI way. A. The Malaysia MADANI’s Leadership Under the new government leadership, the 10th Prime Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia continues to show unconditionally efforts and commitment towards elevating women’s participation in overall national development. The Malaysia MADANI concept emphasis on six core values which include sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity and trust (SCRIPT) (Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi, 2023). This policy framework focuses on good values, effective government, and sustainable development in which humanitarian aspect is taken into account in driving national’s growth. The policy framework was launched on 19 January 2023. According to Ahmad Mukri Aji, Havis Aravik & Nur Rohim Yunus (2020), the word of MADANI means civilized and in Arabic language it relates to ‘tamaddun’ also implies civilization. Meanwhile, the Malaysia MADANI concept uses Malay language acronym of ‘MADANI’ in which reflecting a civilized society through alphabet of M is for Kemampanan (sustainability); A is for Kesejahteraan (prosperity); D is for Daya Cipta (Innovation); A is for Hormat (respect); N is for Keyakinan (Trust) and I is for Ihsan (care and compassion). It has also outlined four main strategies which include rebuilding the economy through human economy; guaranteeing prosperity of the people with care and compassion; reforming democratic and legal institutions towards policy making and establishing a trustworthy, fair and effective governance. Targets are made to strengthen various sectors including economy and finance, legislation; institutions, educations, community, culture, urban and rural area. This new policy framework literally covers holistic aspects that would envisage positive momentum in driving national’s growth. B. Malaysia MADANI Way towards Women Empowerment According to Crowe (2023), the revised National Budget 2023 or known as Belanjawan MADANI that has been tabled on 24th February 2023, reflects the principle of responsibility and emphasizing the need to restore fiscal discipline while facing uncertain economic challenges. Nonetheless, the Unity Government took a valiant effort to announce various financial aid programs in supporting and empowering women to return to the workforce especially those who have stop working after taking maternity leave to look after their children due to high cost in childcare. In conjunction with the International Women’s Day (IWD), in which it will be celebrated annually on the 8th of March, the Government does not hesitate to reveal its commitment in uplifting and empowering women by also announcing several initiatives in order to ensure no one is left behind.
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