Despite progress in corporate boards, women hold few political and administrative leadership positions in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: Women remain significantly underrepresented in Malaysia’s political and administrative leadership despite progress in corporate board representation, a policy think tank said today.
In conjunction with International Women’s Day, Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (Masa) said the gender gap in leadership remains evident across governance and public administration structures.
Masa Chief Executive Officer Azril Mohd Amin said that while the percentage of women on the boards of the top 100 listed public companies has surpassed the 30% target, women’s representation in national leadership remains limited.
“Currently, only about 13.5% of Members of Parliament in Malaysia are women, while fewer than 20% of ministerial positions are held by women.
“Similarly, in the administrative and organisational leadership sectors, women account for only around 27.1% of legislators, senior officials and managers.
“This gap not only affects balanced representation within the democratic system but also risks overlooking the perspectives and needs of half of the nation’s population in the national development agenda,” he said in a statement today.
Azril said broader participation of women in national development is increasingly important as Malaysia navigates economic transformation and evolving labour market demands.
“Current realities show that structural inequalities and discriminatory practices affecting women’s positions and roles still exist, continuing to limit their space and opportunities to contribute optimally to national development.
“According to the Malaysia Gender Gap Index (MGGI) 2025, the female labour force participation rate stands at 56.5%, significantly lower than that of men at 83%.
“The 2024 Graduate Statistics by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reports that, on average, female graduates earn RM900 less than male graduates despite having equivalent academic qualifications,” he said.
He said expanding women’s participation in the workforce should be viewed not only as a matter of social equality but also as a strategic economic imperative.
“In the era of digital transformation and the transition towards a green and future economy, broader female participation is no longer optional but a strategic necessity.
“Studies show that increasing women’s participation in the labour market has the potential to boost Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by between seven and 12%.
“Additionally, women-owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have demonstrated strong resilience, particularly in the services and digital economy sectors.
“Their role not only contributes to national economic growth but also helps to increase household income and reduce poverty rates,” he said.
Azril said greater commitment is needed from policymakers, businesses and civil society to strengthen women’s participation across sectors.
“This effort requires more progressive policy reforms and legal frameworks to ensure that women’s rights and dignity are continuously protected, and to curb any form of exploitation and discrimination that undermines their potential.
“At the same time, greater space must continue to be created to elevate women’s voices, ideas and leadership in decision-making processes at all levels.
“Greater investment is also needed in education, healthcare and women’s economic empowerment as the foundation for more balanced and resilient national development.”
Azril said empowering women must remain a national priority as Malaysia moves towards more inclusive development.
“When women are given fair opportunities, support and access, they are not only able to strengthen the national economy but also contribute to building a more prosperous, ethical and humane society,” he said.
