Sarawak will be the first state in the country to set up a diversity, equality and inclusivity unit, premier Abang Johari Openg revealed.
The unit, known as D2EI for diversity, equality, equity and inclusivity, will be set up in the state department of women and family development, The Borneo Post reported.
Abang Johari said the D2EI principles are in line with his administration’s post-Covid-19 development strategy, which emphasises inclusivity.
He also believes that these values could help raise household income and reduce poverty across the state over time.
For now, Abang Johari said the state government hopes to boost the involvement of women in high-growth sectors, by providing support in the form of economic grants, digital entrepreneurship training and startup assistance.
“We have asked the banks to assist us in investment-related efforts, including lifelong learning opportunities. This will certainly empower women more comprehensively in line with the D2EI values,” he was quoted as saying.
This is not the first time Sarawak has introduced progressive policies. In 2023, it became the first state in Malaysia to have an ombudsman law.
DEI policies, whose origins date back to the US civil rights movement, made headlines after US president Donald Trump issued an executive order after taking office in January directing government agency chiefs to dismantle DEI policies at federal agencies, federal contractors and in the private sector.
