Hasnita, who holds a PhD in nuclear physics from Oxford University, is a seasoned professional with 26 years of experience. She currently serves on the board of Malayan Banking Bhd and leads Maybank Asset Management Group. Her extensive expertise and credentials have left many in awe.
A Step Towards Gender Equity
Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) hailed this move as a leap forward in closing the gender gap in leadership. WAO’s communications officer, Tan Heang Lee, highlighted the significance of including women in top decision-making roles in government and corporate sectors.
“This ensures that policies better reflect women’s perspectives,” she said. Tan pointed out that, as of December 2017, women accounted for 19.2% of board members in the top 100 public listed companies on Bursa Malaysia. Research, including studies published in the Harvard Business Review, shows that increasing women’s participation in leadership can boost profitability by as much as 15%.
Progress in Leadership
Syahredzan Johan, an aide to DAP leader Lim Kit Siang, was equally impressed. “Her qualifications are mind-blowing—a PhD in nuclear physics, actuary credentials, and years of corporate experience,” he said.
He also praised the shift away from appointing male politicians to statutory bodies like Mara and Permodalan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB). This change has ushered in highly qualified women leaders such as Hasnita and entrepreneur Hazimah Zainuddin, alongside notable figures like Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus at Bank Negara Malaysia and Zeti Akhtar Aziz at Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB).
“This progress was unthinkable before the May 9 general elections,” Syahredzan added, reflecting on the transformative leadership changes since then.
Netizens Voice Their Support
Hasnita’s appointment has also drawn positive reactions online. Social media user Azian Nawi celebrated the move, saying it marked a historic moment for Mara, which is now led by a professional rather than a politician.
Sim Soo See summed up the sentiment of many with a tweet: “It is more like: Mouth. Open. Wide.”
Hasnita’s appointment represents a refreshing turn toward merit-based leadership, inspiring confidence that Mara’s governance will benefit from her expertise and professionalism.
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