INTERVIEW | Holding the powerful environment and health portfolios in Malaysia’s wealthiest state, Jamaliah Jamaluddin is aware that at the age of 35, she is a role model for young female leaders in the country.

In an exclusive interview, the Selangor state executive councillor said she backed quotas for female leaders, but they must have a specific timeline.

“As a woman leader, when we look at candidates, the old-fashioned approach would mostly...