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Several of the women interviewed said they would take it up while others fretted
about being away from work for “too long.”
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<td><img src="images/news/2007/10rozana.jpg" width="110" height="165"></td>
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<td><font size="2" color="#666666">Rozana: ‘I would be bored at home
as I am so used to working’</font></td>
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<p>Zuriati Mohd Rashid, who is six months’ pregnant, welcomed the decision,
saying that she would consider taking extended unpaid leave to take care of
her baby. </p>
<p>The 25-year-old clerk with the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board said the
leave would allow her to enjoy her first-time experience of motherhood, but
added that she would only take a few months of unpaid leave due to financial
constraints. </p>
<p>“Now that we have a new addition to the family, we need to ensure we have
enough, especially for the baby,” said Zuriati, whose husband is with the
Fire and Rescue Department in Seri Kembangan.</p>
<p>Wisma Putra employee Hayati Mohd Noor said the move was beneficial in the long
run as it would ensure that mothers had the opportunity to guide their children
in the character-building years.</p>
<p>“Besides, we will not lose our seniority and the benefits will be retained.
We just have to sacrifice two years of increment. I believe it is a sacrifice
worth making,” she said. </p>
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<td><font size="2" color="#666666">Siti Zubaidah: ‘It will be good for
first-time mothers’</font></td>
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<p>Rozana Abdul Rahman, 36, said the decision might work for some but not for
others, adding that personally, she would only take an additional month or two
after the 60 days’ confinement period. </p>
<p>“I would be bored at home as I am so used to working. I’ll be worried
that if I go away for a long time, it would be hard to get back to the job.”
</p>
<p>“But I am sure there will be women who will enjoy this privilege, especially
those who don’t have to worry about finances,” said the mother of three,
who works at the Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development Ministry. </p>
<p>Higher Education Ministry staff member Siti Zubaidah Abu Bakar said the “deal”
would be good for first-time mothers. </p>
<p>“They may need more time to adjust to having a baby at home and it is
a good chance to fully experience motherhood. But I think experienced mothers
will be able to juggle their time and role as an employee, mother and wife.
Besides, there is the money factor to worry about,” said the 29-year-old
Siti.</p>
<p><i>Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/4/nation/18771051&sec=nation</i>
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