PRS creates polls history by nominating first Dayak woman
We are proud today that Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has created history by nominating the first Dayak woman to contest in a general election. I thank the party president and PRS Selection Committee for selecting me.
SIBU: The Barisan Nasional ( BN) candidate for Selangau, Rita Insol, described her selection to contest as an honour not only to herself but to all Dayak women.
“We are proud today that Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) has created history by nominating the fi rst Dayak woman to contest in a general election. I thank the party president and PRS Selection Committee for selecting me,” she said in her Facebook posting following the announcement of BN candidates by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday.
Rita, 57, said it has been a long road to Selangau, but with the grace of God, they have eventually got a seat to contest.
“Dato Seri Doris Sophia Brodie has tirelessly fought for at least
Rita Insol, Barisan Nasional (BN) Selangau candidate
a seat for PRS women,” she said when listing out a number of persons to thank for.
Besides Doris, she thanked her husband Timothy Gima Uji and PRS grassroots leaders whom she said had walked the long road with her since February 2017.
“To my son Gavin Man, I thank you for lifting my spirit when I needed it most.
“After mass on Sunday, he told me that light always comes after darkness and that God does not close one door without opening another.”
Rita appreciated that her path ahead is not all smooth.
“We’re into a battle – a battle to win people’s heart.
“I invite all my Facebook friends to keep our team in prayers that the election will be trouble- free, that all will be safe and healthy, that unity and solidarity prevail and we will win handsomely,” she said.
Rita, the vice president of Sarawak Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association ( DOPPA) and a former magistrate, replaces three-term Selangau incumbent Datuk Joseph Entulu who, with four other party members, were recently sacked from PRS.
Rita is among five women candidates from BN in this election.
The others are Kota Samarahan incumbent Rubiah Wang, Batang Sadong incumbent Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, Batang Lupar incumbent Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim and a new face for Mukah Dato Hanifah Abdul Taib, a daughter of the Head of State Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.