Like many other women all around the world, I for many years was one of the adoring fans of the late Lady Diana.
Although I never got the chance to see her in person, I was very much up-to-date with all that happened around her for whether virtuous or adverse news, the world was inundated with updates of her life.
Even until now, if I happen to come across any book or magazine that is related to the late Lady Diana, I can assure you that there would be a high possibility of me ending up purchasing it.
I was in Ohio, USA on the 31st of August 1997, the fateful day of her accident, and her passing sparked one of my biggest regrets (in regards to Lady Diana), in that I never had the honour of meeting her. I flew from the US to London a few days after her funeral and visited a sea of flowers given near her residence and l was engulfed with tears and emotion. I was so moved by the show of love for her.
Nevertheless, she continues to become one of the many sources of inspiration to many men and women across the globe, including to myself. For me, she was truly a real advocate to the cause of welfare and charity work. Her status which linked her to the Royal Family never stopped her from being down to earth and connecting admirably well with the people she adored and adored her.
She was a down-to-earth, doting and loving mother who always gave priority to her children. I remember that back in those days, people would aspire to be as humble as the late Lady Diana. She was one of the few individuals who would inspire people to put aside racial differences and worldly hierarchies, and give back to the people who needed care and attention. She was, truly, ‘The Queen of Hearts.’
Contributor Profile
Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim Minister of Women, Family and Community Development
Hailing from Sarawak, Datuk Seri Rohani made history in 2013 when she became the first woman from the state to be elected as Member of Parliament and was one of the first two Sarawakian women to be appointed a Minister in the Federal cabinet. As the chief spokesperson for women’s affairs, she is responsible for formulating policies that tackle the concerns of women in the country. It is a task that is quite familiar to her, as she serves on a number of associations that are focused on issues of interest to women such as being the Patron of the Sarawak Single Mother’s Association, President of the Sarawak Women’s Graduates Association, and Deputy President on the National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) East Malaysia.
Her previous experience in government also serves her well in her current portfolio. As the Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Based Industries, Datuk Rohani was intimately aware of the challenges that women entrepreneurs face in both rural and urban sectors. Addressing these problems, as well as raising awareness on the importance of education and the need to stop domestic violence are among her priorities. This is encapsulated in her creating and spearheading the ‘Respect Women’ campaign, with its ultimate aim of closing the gender gap in the country and empowering women so that they can be co-equal partners in national development.
