KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Malaysia's government says women must hold 30 per cent of top corporate posts by 2016 in a move toward gender equality in the boardroom.
Prime Minister Najib Razak says the new policy is a landmark decision by the Cabinet that will bolster the role of women. He says women currently account for 8 per cent of top posts in some 200 listed companies and 6 per cent in financial institutions.
He says the government will help companies develop programs to train women for decision-making roles.
Najib said Monday a similar policy instituted in 2004 for the public sector has raised women's participation from 19 per cent to 32 per cent.
Women hold some top government posts in mainly Muslim Malaysia, including central bank governor and Cabinet positions.
