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 Ng Siew Lai

49-year-old / married with three children
A member of a company’s Board of Director
Penang Gerakan Wanita Chairman
Gerakan Wanita Deputy Chairman
Former Bukit Tengah Assemblyman

Siew Lai has shown great interest in politics even before she had entered the real scene. Her father was influential in her decision. He was an active party member who used to work closely with elected representatives in bringing vast development to Permatang Pauh. And at the same time, Siew Lai’s grandmother had often reminded her to help others. With this in mind, Siew Lai reaffirmed her faith in serving the people by following her father’s footsteps – she joined Gerakan in 1982.

The name Dr Lim Chong Eu was highly instrumental in her decision to join Gerakan. She looks so highly upon Dr Lim, who was then the Penang Chief Minister who brought significant development to the state.

Siew Lai believes that in order to have a better grasp in serving the public, one has to start from the grassroots level, irrespective of which party she joins. She firmly believes that a party needs talents from all walks of life in order to enjoy healthy growth. From the blue collar workers to the professionals, even the illiterates; each and everyone has got their own unique, valuable way to contribute to the party.

Considering herself lucky, Siew Lai was able to move up the party hierarchy without any hitch. She met her husband while she was still actively involved in party activities in the 80s. She even set things straight with her husband before marriage – to respect and support her future undertakings. She even confessed to her in-laws that she would not be their cup of tea as a typical good daughter-in-law.

Her husband’s liberal approach allowed her to indulge in party’s activities without any worries. Her breakthrough came in 1988 when she was appointed as a Seberang Prai Municipal Councillor. Guilty conscience got the better of her even until now, as Siew Lai felt she had neglected her children since taking up the appointment.

“My daughter wrote me a letter when she was 21, complaining that I failed to attend her graduation ceremonies during kindergarten and primary school. Although you love your family, I strongly believe you love the members of the public even more,” said Siew Lai, adding that the sayings still etched in her mind until now.

She was grateful to family members and friends who gave her the necessary support in dealing with political matters. Her proudest moment as an assemblyman for Bukit Tengah constituency was the transformation of Juru as one of the most beautiful villages in the state. She faced strong opposition from the villagers initially, who refused to budge as they felt fruit trees should not be chopped to make way for greeneries. But she was glad that the villagers bought her idea eventually.

by Editorial Desk
gerakan4u.com