Latest news with #Dayak
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘A tiger at home, a frog in public': Women still underrepresented in leadership, says political analyst
Jayum stresses that women constitute about half the voting population in most constituencies, making their support pivotal to any election outcome. KUCHING (July 20): Women's contributions to families, communities, and politics remain undervalued in leadership and governance structures, particularly within the Dayak community, said socio-political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan. Despite playing crucial roles in various spheres of life, women continue to face limited representation in national and state-level decision-making, he told thesundaypost . 'While women form nearly half of Malaysia's population and electorate, their representation in national and state-level governance continues to lag significantly behind men,' said Jayum, a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Borneo Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas). He cited data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), noting that as of early 2024, Malaysia's estimated citizen population stood at around 31 million – 53 per cent male and 47 per cent female, excluding roughly three million foreigners. 'Women are essential in family life and society at large, yet their value is often not reflected in decision-making processes or political leadership. 'This contradicts the frequently-quoted proverb: 'the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world',' he added. Jayum stressed that women constitute about half the voting population in most constituencies, making their support pivotal to any election outcome. 'Any political candidate who wins an election must acknowledge that women voters were equally responsible for their victory,' he said. He likened the gap between women's influence in the home and their limited public visibility to a Dayak saying: 'Di rumah baka remaong, di tanah baka raong' (a tiger at home, a frog in public). According to Jayum, entrenched cultural norms and patriarchal values continue to marginalise women from leadership roles, despite their vital contributions. 'While some communities have acknowledged women's roles in politics and governance since the 1960s, others still lag behind,' he said. He acknowledged that major parties such as Umno and MCA had previously promoted women to senior positions, naming figures like Tun Fatimah Hashim, Tan Sri Aishah Ghani, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, and Tan Sri Dr Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. 'Tun Fatimah, for instance, made history as the first Malay woman minister and was part of the only husband-wife duo ever appointed to the Malaysian Cabinet,' he said. Rafidah Aziz, widely dubbed Malaysia's 'Iron Lady', was praised for her strong leadership style, likened to Britain's Margaret Thatcher. Umno, Jayum added, continues to elevate women to ministerial positions, such as current Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. MCA, he noted, also appointed Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen as a full minister. However, he pointed out that no Indian women from MIC have reached such positions. 'DAP has had two women federal ministers to date -Theresa Kok and Hannah Yeoh – while PKR currently has two women ministers in the Madani Cabinet: Fahdlina Sidek and Zaleha Mustafa. 'GPS, only having Nancy Shukri of PBB holding a full ministerial position,' he said. Overall, the Madani Cabinet comprises five female ministers from four parties – DAP (1), Umno (1), PKR (2), and PBB (1). Other coalition partners — PDP, PRS, Amanah, and GRS — have no female ministers. At the Sarawak state level, PBB is the sole GPS component with a woman in the Cabinet – Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development. Of the 82 state assembly members, only five are women — four from PBB and one from DAP. In Parliament, six women MPs represent Sarawak – four Malay/Melanau Muslims (PBB), one Chinese (DAP), and one Iban (PRS). Jayum said while parties like PBB, Umno, and PKR show better female representation, Dayak-majority parties lag behind. Since Malaysia's formation in 1963, no Dayak woman has ever held a full ministerial post at the state or federal level, he added. He cited PRS MP Doris Brodie, who won the Sri Aman seat in 2022, as a missed opportunity. Despite her experience – including two terms in the Senate and serving as Deputy Senate President – she was passed over for the two ministerial slots allocated to PRS, Jayum said. 'This is disappointing, especially given her experience. The decision to side-line Doris reflects the continuing gender imbalance in political appointments, particularly among the Dayak community,' he said. He urged all communities to do more to recognise and elevate women in leadership, noting that national progress depends on equal participation from all members of society. Dayak jayum jawan leadership women
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Harness Sarawak Day positives but be wary of the negatives
SARAWAK Day on July 22 was gazetted as a state public holiday in 2016. It is often erroneously hyped up as Sarawak's Independence Day but, of course, it is no such thing. It only marked the attainment of Sarawak's self-government on that day in 1963, but the last colonial governor did not leave the Astana in Kuching till the eve of Malaysia Day on Sept 16, 1963. At best, the day marks the setting up of Sarawak's home-grown government as the prelude to Merdeka, when the first Sarawak-born governor was sworn in, also on Sept 16, 1963. Regrettably, Malaysia Day was not accorded official significance until recent years. Still, Sarawak Day should never take precedence over the day the state attained real independence. But many, not least the Sarawak government of 2016 under then-chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem and now under Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, have their own reasons for asserting the significance of Sarawak Day. It coincided with the state's push for greater autonomy in the federation. There is, however, always some latent risk that, once mounted, the greater-autonomy tiger may yet prove tricky for state authorities to control. In the near-decade since Sarawak Day began to be officially commemorated, there has been the usual parade attended by state officials and its people to mark the day. For some years, a small group of politically conscious locals led by former state assemblyman Dominique Ng would also gather at Padang Merdeka in Kuching on this day to raise the Sarawak flag. This year promised to be different. A group led by prominent activist Peter John Jaban had planned a rather elaborate celebration that would combine civic and state pride in Kuching on July 22. The plan was abruptly stopped, with Jaban blaming it on onerous conditions imposed by city authorities little more than a week before the event itself. Abang Johari and Adenan have always dismissed the idea that Sarawak Day marks an assertion of state rights with real independence the ultimate goal. There is no basis to doubt their stance. What is less clear is whether forces have been inadvertently unleashed that will make it more difficult for the state government to contain public expectations of the autonomy agenda and what this may lead to. Unless adroitly and sensitively handled, the public fervour that Sarawak Day engenders may take on a life of its own. In the last state election, there was a political party that stood on the platform of Sarawak independence. Thankfully, it has not gained much traction thus far. Voon Lee Shang and other politicians leading the independence-leaning Parti Bumi Kenyalang were recently admonished by some Dayak politicians and told to stop leveraging the Dayak "struggle" for political gain. These are all political noises at the periphery. How state leaders handle these matters can either reinforce or blunt whatever political grievances — real or perceived — from being exploited. Sarawak Day is one prime example of how things political may be properly harnessed or irresponsibly exploited by various state political actors.
The Star
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Pageant of grace and Dayak cultural pride
Mesha (seated), Axiomara (left) and Emily with their prizes. The grand finale of the Miss Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival 2025 saw 10 finalists showcasing their beauty and culture. College student Mesha Carlynie Jess took home the coveted title at the event held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1, Sibu, in conjunction with the Borneo Cultural Festival in Sarawak. The 22-year-old banking diploma student from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Mukah impressed judges and the audience with her poise and grace. 'I was surprised and overjoyed as I didn't expect to win this competition,' said Mesha. 'I'm very pleased with the result because it reflects the hard work I put in before and during the event,' said Mesha. She received RM4,000 cash, a crown, sash, trophy, certificate and gift hamper. Mesha said she had to travel frequently between Mukah and Sibu to attend classes as well as the finalist selection and rehearsals. Originally from Kapit, she is no stranger to Kumang (traditional beauty contest) competitions, having taken part in over 20 since 2022 and winning several of them. 'Through Kumang competitions, I aim to send the message that true beauty lies not only in appearance, but also in knowledge, self-confidence and cultural pride,' she said. 'I hope to elevate Dayak traditions so they remain appreciated and are embraced by the younger generation,' she added. Axiomara Tijan Andy was named first runner-up and won RM3,000, while Emily Rinya Lenggang was second runner-up with RM2,000. Both also received sashes, trophies, hampers and certificates. Each of the other finalists – Natasha Malviana, Manisha Vyonnie, Amenda Alannie, Jatitup Nyambar, Daphne Herbeck Ilam, Nelly Mujan and Melanie Joyce – received RM1,000 and a certificate of appreciation. The 10 finalists were selected from an initial pool of 24 contestants to showcase their beauty and cultural pride on the grand stage, while donning intricate and traditional Orang Ulu attire. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang launched the event.
Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Fadillah urges Sarawakians to unite for state's development
Fadillah (seated, centre), flanked by Hilmy (seated, third left) and Pani, poses with other distinguished guests and event attendees in Kuching. KUCHING (July 13): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called on Sarawakians to remain united in both spirit and action to ensure the state's long-term development plans succeed. He said while Sarawak has already laid out clear strategies for progress, its success ultimately depends on unity, political stability and the people's support. 'Although we already have strategic policies in place, they will only succeed if we are united in heart, united in action, and united in ensuring political stability. Everything else will follow naturally,' he said when speaking at the 'Majlis Perdana Kesenian dan Kebudayaan Peringkat Parlimen Petra Jaya 2025,' Dewan SDNU Siol Kandis here last night. Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) and Petra Jaya MP, said Sarawak is now regarded as one of the most advanced states in Malaysia in several key sectors. 'When it comes to hydrogen, we are ahead. Green ammonia — we're ahead. In renewable energy, we're ahead. In the digital economy, we're ahead. We are the only state with our own e-wallet platform, Sarawak Pay (now SPay Global); no other state has that. 'And when it comes to welfare assistance, there's no need to even mention it — we've done it. God willing, starting next year, tertiary education will be free for Sarawakians,' he said. He attributed Sarawak's achievements to the commitment of its leadership and expressed hope that the state's progress would inspire other Malaysians, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, to strive towards similar success. Fadillah also shared that Sarawak continues to attract strong interest from foreign investors, thanks to its clear policies, business-friendly government, and the quality of its people. Regarding the event, Fadillah said it served to celebrate Sarawak's rich cultural diversity, with a special focus on Dayak traditions in conjunction with the closing of the Gawai Dayak celebration organised by the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Siol Branch. He also asked representatives from the union to prepare the design and cost estimates for the installation of air-conditioning at Dewan SDNU Siol Kandis, as well as for the construction of a covered futsal court. The proposals are to be discussed with the Petra Jaya Parliamentary Service Centre before being presented next year for funding consideration. Also present were Datuk Bandar of Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Datuk Hilmy Othman, SDNU Siol Branch chairman Pani Igoh and other distinguished guests.
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Festival serving as a unifying factor
The Gawai Dayak parade is now a feature of this celebration in Sarawak. I HAVE often been asked by a number of young people in the Iban community about the origin of the Gawai Dayak. Most of the time, I oblige them – relating as best I can by repeating what I have heard from verbal or read from written sources, or from my own memory. It is quite possible that there is more than one version. Today's column is based partly on information obtained during conversation, some 30 years ago, with the late Dato Sri Tra Zehnder, the first Iban woman to be appointed as a state legislator. Another source was Michael Buma, once a teacher at the Anglican Mission School in Quop. Tra expressed her inner thoughts to me thus: 'Maya Hari Raya kitai ngabang ngagai kaban kitai Melayu; maya Taun Baru China kitai ngabang ngagai kaban kitai China. Tang sida tu enda ngabang ngagai kitai, laban kitai Dayak nadai Ari Besai (We visit our Malay friends during the Hari Raya, and our Chinese friends during their New Year, but they do not visit us because we, the Dayaks, have no special day to celebrate during which the Malays and the Chinese can visit us in return).' Tra was referring to the situation in the context of the Dayaks who were residing and working in Kuching. Daughter of Sarawak Constabulary Sub-Insp Inting Jemat, she had been brought up in a cross- cultural setting in Kuching for most of her life that her world view was broad and pragmatic. In fact, for some time during the colonial period (1958-1960), the Dayak (settlers and/or residents of Kuching, mostly government servants and Christians), had been toying with the idea of another festivity that would be more traditional or cultural than religious and pious. This group, consisting of teachers and those whom we would call social activists, were more articulate and vocal in their views. Among them were Michael Buma, Ah Guan, Barbara Bay Mendu, Robert Jitam, Edward Jerah and Austin Jaga. Although Tra belonged to the community dominated by the police personnel and families, she managed to reach out to and maintain a good rapport with the ordinary members of the Dayak community in Kuching. She established a close contact with people like Malacca- trained nurse Barbara Bay (Mendu Bayang), Mrs Ang, Madam Tuyah and her daughter Susie Kitto. They formed the Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), the women's wing of the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), for the purpose of providing educational advice to Dayak women in Kuching. She also established a good relationship with Michael Buma and the political activists. However, these 'radicals' had a vision of their own as to how Dayaks of various groups could coalesce and constitute a force in society in Sarawak. Michael Buma, leading the group, moved one step further by proposing that the government of Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan (1963) should declare a day in each year as 'The Dayak Day'. While Tra endorsed Michael Buma's proposal, she had a problem with other members of the Council Negri who thought that she was being too political. Michael Buma, watching on the sidelines, made a bold move in defiance of the attitude of those legislators. He organised a tea party at his house in Siol Kandis, Kuching, and invited people of the same mind, 'Segulai Sejalai'. They were launching the celebration called the 'Dayak Day'. Yes, that day – June 1, 1964! I was not there. I was told by Daniel Ragam, who was present, that the atmosphere was politically electrified. Apparently, the Police Special Branch had sent a couple of boys to Michael Buma's house 'just for a drink' and, obviously, to keep an official eye on things. The significance of this Special Branch intrusion intrigued me as I was listening to Tra. Peter Ratcliffe, the director of Radio Sarawak, hinted to me that the government was going to declare June 1 as a public holiday to dilute the influence of the Dayak activists, using the radio to promote the concept of celebrating a successful harvest instead of something radical. The choice of the name 'Gawai Dayak' was deliberate, a strategy to pre-empt the influence of the activists. Kalong's government, fearing that the Dayak sentiment would develop into a political issue, used Radio Sarawak to promote the 'Harvest Festival' as the Gawai Dayak. That was it! The programme producers at Radio Sarawak even took the initiative to introduce a format for the celebration. For instance, on May 31, the eve of Gawai Dayak, each Dayak family should celebrate the occasion with a dinner at home – similar to the customary dinner among the Chinese on the eve of their New Year. A new festival was thus created for the Dayak community because the 'townies' wanted to have their own version of festival. The Christians among the townies were not in favour of anything pagan like, for instance, a 'miring' (traditional ritual to seek blessings). In the 1980s, the Gawai Dayak was organised as a state function. As a political device, it suits the politicians in power. They take advantage of the big gathering during which to be seen together with the 'common people' – 'Segulai Sejalai', you see! The 'Ngiling Tikai / Ngiling Bidai' (symbolic rolling-up of the mat, to mark the end of festivities) was not part of the Gawai as far as I could remember. However, it has become an accepted part of the proceedings by now. Anyway, who would pick up a quarrel over something that brings people together, even for a few hours, under one roof in the name of the slogan 'Segulai Sejalai'? * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper. culture Dayak Gawai Iban sarawak
