Women deserve equal chances to lead in security, defence, Anwar says, citing exam results

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that it would be unjust to deny women equal chances to assume leadership roles within the country's security and defence sectors. He pointed out that the majority of personnel in the police and armed forces were men, highlighting the physically demanding nature of such work.

However, Anwar acknowledged that women were also capable of undertaking physically demanding duties. "While we provide ample opportunities for women, there are also roles where a significant number of women, such as in education and medical fields, are excelling," he stated during a Q&A session with female trainees at the National Service Training Programme 3.0.

A female trainee had previously inquired about the main obstacle to increasing women's representation in leadership positions within the country's security and defence sphere. Upon hearing her concerns, Anwar expressed pride in her confidence and remarked that young people should be unafraid to pursue their ambitions, "even if it means not engaging in unlawful activities like theft."

The Prime Minister addressed the session at the National Service Training Branch, Camp 515, in Kuala Lumpur, where 236 female trainees were present in person, while another 1,663 trainees at seven other NS training camps connected virtually.