Political path is never smooth sailing, especially for women. One definitely has to chart her own destiny in order to move up the rank.

Three Gerakan’s iron ladies decide to speak their mind in conjunction with the International Women’s Day on March 8. Let’s listen to them on what they have to say……

Profile of Hartini Tan Bt. Abdullah

48-year-old / married with 3 children
Coordinator for Bukit Tambun Constituency
Former Special Officer of Information Department (JASA)

The saying ‘Do not judge a book by its cover’ aptly applies on Hartini. At first glance, she looks like just another traditional housewife, who takes pleasure in cooking her husband’s meals. But that was clearly not the case. In the early 80s, Hartini clearly knows politics is very much in her blood when she was a Form Four student. She joined various Youth associations and had actively involved in co-curricular activities. Her biggest obstacle to enter politics, however, came from her father, who cited her young age and she was still schooling as the reasons.

Her father even threatened to break her legs if she were to join politics at that time. Bearing this in mind, Hartini obediently complied and concentrated on her studies. She only entered the political scene in 1996 after giving birth to her third children.

She moved to Simpang Ampat with her family members before getting to know Lai Chew Hock, who was then Bukit Tambun Assemblyman. She was coaxed into participating in Rukun Tetangga programmes and other activities organised by the various associations. In 2006, she was appointed special officer of the Information Department (JASA). That was the beginning of her political work and struggle in the party.

“My husband is a Malay who loves to involve in social and political gatherings. He also contributes immensely to local social development.” With both acting as one mind in carrying out political work, Hartini has never been blamed by her husband for not doing housework. She was even spared by her three children for not being at home most of the time.

Hartini’s social circle revolves around women. There are members from line dancing, Tai Chi, aerobics and choir group. She discovered that political awareness among women is still lacking. She felt that women above 40 should be given more private time to pursue their dreams since most of their children would have reached maturity stage then. By doing so, it would help enrich their lives and make up for things they have missed out in life.

by Editorial Desk
gerakan4u.com