Tun Dr Siti Hasmah receives Srikandi Negara award

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed's wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali received the Anugerah Khas Srikandi Negara award for her contributions to the country.

The awards at the ceremony organised by Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung Malaysia (GPMS) were presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Dr Siti Hasmah, 88, was chosen for the award based on her contributions in the field of education through the formation of various institutions that benefited the people.

Rosmah in her speech said women leaders in the country need to have a high level of integrity, leadership qualities and showcase excellence in management, administration and be responsible to the people.

"All these criteria will project women as true leaders with responsibility and courage. They will be given responsibility at a high level of management since they (women) are capable of playing an important role in implementing various programmes in the party and country.

"They are given full responsibility and trust to carry out major missions and visions of the party that they represent.

"Moreover, the current political trend measures the capability of its leaders through their personality and leadership qualities," she said when opening the Anugerah Tokoh Srikandi Negara award ceremony, Thursday.

Rosmah said women must not be afraid of venturing into whatever field because women are a major asset with optimum value in any organisation because they can become a shining example of success.

Meanwhile, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (Perkim) Negeri Sembilan chairman Datuk Siti Rahmah Kassim, 88, received the award in the political category for her struggles for freedom during the British era.

Apart from Dr Siti Hasmah and Siti Rahmah, 13 other women leaders were presented awards.

Among them were RAM Holdings Bhd chairman Tan Sri Norma Yaacob, Securiforce Group executive chairman Datuk Dr Maznah Hamid, singer Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Taruddin and religious scholar Datuk Siti Nor Bahyah Mahmood.