Women’s wing of PRS wants issue of ‘gender equality’ resolved
KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Women’s wing hopes the state government will continue to empower women from the Dayak community.
“We (Dayak women) hope our efforts, contributions to and existence in this nation are not overlooked. Dayak women, like the masses out there, share the dreams of all Sarawakians,” said PRS Women chief Datuk Doris Sophia Berodie.
In a press statement delivered by the wing’s publicity chief Priscilla Bangi on Friday, Doris was quoted as saying she hoped ‘gender equality’ would be among issues tackled by newly appointed chief minister, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We need more women, especially Dayak women, in decision making positions, for example, in the public and private sectors including GLCs as lawmakers in this country,” Doris said.
PRS Women also hoped that Abang Johari would continue to emphasise rural transformation to bridge the gap between rural and urban development, said Doris who is also political secretary to the chief minister.
Issues on native customary rights on land like Pulau Galau (communal forest reserve) and Pemakai Menoa (territorial domain) are an area the new chief minister will resolve amicably in favour of the Dayak community.
The demise of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem was a great loss to Sarawakians but the appointment of Abang Johari as replacement should give new hope to Dayaks.
On Abang Johari’s recent statement that he would not allow Umno to come into Sarawak for as long as he is the chief minister, Doris said it showed he is a true blue Sarawakian.
“He shares our sentiments, he feels our heartbeat and he knows what is good for Sarawakians. We have never had Umno in Sarawak all these while yet we did fine; the issue of Umno coming in shouldn’t have arisen in the first place,” Doris said.
“We call for all Sarawakians to rally behind our YAB CM. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt to lead this state. He is not born today into politics. He was born into, grew and is part of our diverse cultures, religions and traditions – he is one of us.”