Adibah Ahmad, the president of Pertubuhan Wanita Anggerik Malaysia
BY TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 – In a candid interview with TNS News, Adibah Ahmad, the pioneering president of Pertubuhan Wanita Anggerik Malaysia, delves into her lifelong mission to raise political awareness among women, her vision for ethical governance, and her unwavering efforts to bridge the generational gap.
Adibah Ahmad’s name has become synonymous with fervent activism. With a rich tapestry of experience spanning over thirty years with esteemed Muslim women’s organizations such as ABIM and HELWA, Adibah has been a formidable force for women’s rights and welfare.
Yet, it was in 2022 that she embarked on a new venture, founding Pertubuhan Wanita Anggerik Malaysia, with a laser focus on galvanizing women’s political engagement and enlightenment.
“I found myself disheartened by the unscrupulous maneuvers in the political arena and felt compelled to enlighten women on the essence of democratic engagement, while also forging a haven for Muslim women political scholars,” Adibah articulated.
“Pertubuhan Wanita Anggerik Malaysia is dedicated to fostering a culture of exemplary governance and principled politics, deeply rooted in wisdom and discernment.”
In pursuit of this noble mission, the organization orchestrates educational seminars and interactive workshops, all steeped in the progressive ethos of the Malaysia Madani philosophy—a philosophy that champions civil society, celebrates diversity, and upholds human dignity.
These initiatives primarily target the grassroots strata, with a special emphasis on educators, who are then empowered to disseminate political literacy further afield.
“We forge alliances with organizations that share our vision and harness the power of social media to transcend generational boundaries,” Adibah declared.
“Our primary goal is to arm our members with the knowledge to become nationwide ambassadors of political awareness.”
Yet, the journey is not without its hurdles. Adibah acknowledges the struggle to engage the younger demographic, often preoccupied with professional and familial duties.
She resonates with their constraints, having once juggled the roles of career woman and mother. While active participation may elude the younger members, they contribute through administrative support and weekend involvement.
“Their lives are a juggling act—balancing careers, raising children, and navigating the digital world. Their time is precious, and flexibility is a luxury,” Adibah empathized.
“Hence, we lean on the wisdom and availability of our retired members, who bring both time and resources to the table.”
Adibah proudly notes that the majority of her members are seasoned individuals, aged 55 and above, some contending with health concerns that limit travel. Yet, their zeal and commitment are unwavering, with many generously funding the organization’s endeavors.
Looking ahead, Adibah envisions cultivating a formidable coalition of professionals, poised to champion the cause of ethical governance and expertise-based advocacy.
She plans to initiate roundtable discussions, drawing in Muslim women professionals from diverse fields such as economics, law, and politics.
Her stance is clear: she opposes not political parties, but the exploitation and subjugation of women. Her commitment is to the truth and the principles of Malaysia Madani.
“I fear not the repercussions of voicing my convictions, and I encourage others to do likewise. My aspiration is to witness a society that is mature, informed, and deeply invested in the welfare of our nation,” Adibah professed.
The candid exchange with Adibah sheds light on her unwavering zeal and commitment to fostering political acumen among women.
Her narrative is one of enduring activism, a vision of virtuous governance, and the trials of engaging a multi-generational audience.
With the inception of Pertubuhan Wanita Anggerik Malaysia, she aspires to educate women on the tenets of democratic engagement and to establish a forum for Muslim women political analysts.
Her collaborative spirit extends to partnerships with NGOs aligned with the Malaysia Madani philosophy, and her ambition is to assemble a cadre of professionals advocating for governance and ethics rooted in profound expertise.
Adibah stands unafraid to express her beliefs, steadfast in her pursuit of truth, and dedicated to the ideals of Malaysia Madani.
- TNS NEWS