As countries around the world marked International Women's Day several days ago, I took time to reflect upon the achievements and role of women in Malaysia.

Last year can be remembered for the sporting heights reached by Datuk Nicol Ann David, who notched an incredible seven victories of the 11 international tournaments she contested, the World Brand Congress award won by Datuk Sharifah Mohd Ismail and Senator Datuk Armani Mahiruddin's appointment as deputy President of Dewan Negara.

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In one recent trip to Sarawak last month, I visited a number of settlements and villages in the state, including Nanga Tada, located some 80 kilometres outside of Sibu, in efforts to narrow the urban-rural divide in our socio-economics. A moment of that visit included my short meeting with an elderly Iban couple, Medan anak Nunying and his wife Landun anak Ngumbang, who live at Rumah Meruan. What connects me to this elderly couple is the most suspenseful and perilous event in my 14-year career as Minister of Defense.

In July 2000, a confrontation took place between an Islamic deviationist group, Al-Ma'unah and the Malaysian armed forces in Sauk, Perak. During the stand-off, a commando with the elite force was killed in action. He was Trooper Mathew anak Medan, the son of the elderly couple. Also slain during the incident was police detective R. Sagadevan.

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Last week I recorded a few more video responses to some comments posted on my blog. Below is one of them, on the upcoming tea event.

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In the 2010 Budget, and as part of our effort to apply the highest medical care methods and standards for all Malaysians, I announced the RM10 million establishment of new 1Malaysia Clinics across our nation.  These clinics were conceived in the spirit of "People First, Performance Now" to provide immediate healthcare to all Malaysians in housing areas in need of basic services.

Since 28 December 2009, and the opening of the first service in Lembah Pantai, fifty 1Malaysia Clinics have been launched in selected urban areas. More than 100,000 people have passed through their doors (representing an average of 80 to 200 patients per clinic every day) to date, seeking light treatment for complaints such as headaches and colds.

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I have previously described 1Malaysia and its eight values, from acceptance to perseverance. I would now like to focus beyond the concept, and share with you details of a selection of measures introduced to ensure the realisation of the 1Malaysia vision.

You may have heard about our new 1Malaysia Clinics. You may even have used one, know someone who has used one or know about one in your area. In summary, these are community clinics for the people, intended so that every Malaysian has quick and easy access to affordable healthcare (treatment is available for RM1).  No longer should the urban poor feel excluded from basic medical services. To date, more than 100,000 people with basic medical complaints have received treatment from the 50 1Malaysia Clinics launched since the end of 2009.

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