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Guernsey has marked a significant moment in its political history with the election of Munazza Malik as the island's first Muslim deputy. Ms. Malik, who secured an impressive 6,215 votes in Thursday's election, described her journey to office as a "really positive experience" and expressed her eagerness to serve the community.
Originally from Pakistan, where she qualified as a pharmacist in the late 1990s, Munazza Malik brings a wealth of experience in healthcare management and operations from her career in the UK, where she moved in 2005. She moved to Guernsey five years ago to work as a Superintendent Pharmacist and has quickly integrated into island life, becoming an active member of "Women In Public Life" since early last year. This voluntary organisation, formed in 2020, actively aims to "inspire and support the women of Guernsey to stand for public office." Ms. Malik credits the group with encouraging more women, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, to engage with local politics and consider standing for election.
"I feel welcomed, I feel integrated into the community," Ms. Malik stated, reflecting on her five years on the island. Her election is seen as a pivotal step towards fostering greater diversity within the States of Guernsey, an issue she is passionate about addressing. Discussing how the island can further encourage diversity in its political landscape, Ms. Malik emphasized the need for increased awareness and outreach within the public sector to engage minority communities. "That's how we make them interested in the local issues and feel welcome," she added.
Her success comes alongside that of David Goy, who was also elected on Thursday, becoming Guernsey's first deputy of East Asian origin. Mr. Goy shared his own experiences of facing "negative comments" about his ethnicity from a "handful" of people during his campaign. He distinguished between genuine questions about one's origin and comments that are designed to "question you," highlighting a subtle but important difference. He recounted remarks about "not being from here and not being local," implying a lack of legitimacy to represent the island.
Despite these isolated incidents, Mr. Goy urged other individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds considering a career in politics not to be deterred. He stressed that such negative comments are "expected but there is so little of them that they're nothing to be concerned about for anyone who's of a different ethnicity and wants to contribute to this island. I say go ahead and don't let these people be a barrier."
The election of both Ms. Malik and Mr. Goy underscores a broader shift in Guernsey's political landscape, signaling a growing recognition of the importance of diverse representation. Their presence in the States is expected to bring new perspectives and insights, better reflecting the island's evolving multicultural society. It also sends a powerful message that ability and commitment to public service transcend background, encouraging more individuals from all walks of life to step forward and contribute to the governance of Guernsey. While challenges persist for minority candidates, the recent election results offer a hopeful indication that the island is embracing a more inclusive political future.
