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PETALING JAYA: A woman of Malay heritage, who made history by becoming the youngest woman of color to become California mayor, says she misses Malaysia’s food, culture and natural beauty the most.
In an interview with Malaysiakini, Jocelyn Yow said that she also appreciates the diversity and unique culture of Malaysia.
“I have fond memories of traveling across the country with my family and hiking in the jungle and camping with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts while I was in Malaysia.”
Yow, who has not returned to Malaysia for two years, said she was surprised that her achievement had caused a sensation here.
Yow was elected mayor of Eastvale, a city in California, where she also served as a city councilor for two years before the mayoral election last month.
Yow, 25, with a Malay father and Vietnamese mother, spent most of her childhood in Malaysia.
His family then residing in the United States had moved to Alor Setar in 1996 when his paternal grandfather was diagnosed with cancer.
“I ended up spending more than 10 years there, which allowed me to learn more about our history, heritage and family culture,” he said in an Instagram post.
In the interview, she said that she is also an advocate for policies that help promote gender equality.
“It is a shame that the United States is the only advanced country that still does not offer paid maternity leave.
“I am glad to see that Malaysia offers a more comprehensive maternity leave policy,” he said.
