THE Gender Responsive and Participatory Budgeting (GRPB) framework is not solely about women but it is about fairness, inclusion, balance and sustainability in development, said Penang executive councillor Lim Siew Khim.
Lim, who oversees the portfolios of Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs, said the concept behind GRPB is simple which is ‘different groups have different needs’.
“The state government recognises that women’s needs differ from men’s, that the elderly and the youth require distinct attention, and that every community, whether urban or rural, has a voice that deserves to be heard.
“If Penang is celebrated for its rich flavours and cultural diversity, then GRPB can be seen as the ‘budget recipe’ that balances all those flavours namely spicy, sweet, sour, and salty and thus, creating a harmonious dish.
“Likewise, GRPB strives to balance the needs of various social groups so that everyone can share equitably in the fruits of development,” Lim said in her speech at the NEKSUS GRPB National Conference and Applied Workshop 2025, held at Bertam Resort in Kepala Batas this morning.
Also present were Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) treasury director Shahrulnizad Abdul Razak, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary Cheong Chee Hong and Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng.
Lim expressed her sincere appreciation to MBPP and MBSP for taking the lead as catalysts in implementing GRPB initiatives in the state.
“Special thanks also go to PWDC for continuously building capacity and establishing national and regional networks to expand the impact of GRPB,” she added.
The NEKSUS GRPB National Conference and Applied Workshop 2025 is a two-day programme held on Oct 27 and 28, jointly organised by PWDC, MBPP, and MBSP.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Lim said the conference serves as an important platform for local authorities across the country to strengthen their knowledge and practices in Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) and Participatory Budgeting (PB).
“This NEKSUS GRPB Conference 2025 is not merely a platform for discussion but it is a national meeting point of shared commitment. It is where we learn, exchange ideas, and shape our collective future,” she said.
Lim added that this year’s theme, ‘Catalyst for Inclusive Local Government Budgeting’, reflects the event’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
“NEKSUS GRPB will serve as a bridge connecting MBPP, MBSP, and other local authorities and thus, acting as a catalyst to accelerate the transition towards more inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive planning and budgeting across Malaysia,” Lim concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud