KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) vice-president and Women chief Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie has reflected on the party’s achievements and its dedication to Sarawak’s development in conjunction with the party’s 20th anniversary this year.
Reflecting on PRS’ two-decade journey, Doris said the party is an offshoot of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) and was formed on Oct 21, 2004, the very same day PBDS was dissolved due to leadership crisis.
“Since then, it has been moving forward for PRS, looking back only to ensure history does not repeat itself.
“PRS now holds 11 state and five parliamentary seats, which is a significant growth from when we first started,” she told New Sarawak Tribune in an interview.
Doris said PRS has contributed significantly to shaping Sarawak’s political landscape, agenda and policies.
“We will continue to remain relevant, especially in representing the rural voices, and we are a loyal partner within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).”
She also acknowledged the party’s breakthrough in 2018 by fielding its first female candidate during the 14th General Election in 2018.
“Although we failed to see through that seat to the House of the Representative then, we made it in 2022 during the 15th General Election.
“Where we are now, we owe much to our previous party president, the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, who has laid a firm foundation for PRS and his legacy etched into us.
“His untimely passing in October 2021 had hit us hard and the entire PRS family, but his memory and his fighting spirit keep us going.”
She added the party’s current president, Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, although had only helmed the presidential position for slightly over two years, had led PRS into the 12th State Election and the 15th General Election where the party had performed fairly well, and for being able to hold both the bunch and the baton therefrom till to date.
Strengthening Rural and Grassroots Representation
When asked about PRS’ plans for strengthening grassroots presence, Doris pointed out that it is important of staying engaged with local communities.
“Engagements and having our ears constantly on the ground to listen to the heartbeats and feel the pulses of our constituents is our mission.”
She also expressed hope for re-delineation of electoral boundaries, particularly in rural areas, which would allow for greater representation.
“Secondly, with the recent formation of our PEWARIS Wing, we hope to further engage and recruit more youths into the party of which I am happy to acknowledge that the recruitment exercise is progressing well.”
Advancing indigenous rights and rural development
Discussing PRS’ contributions to indigenous rights and rural development, Doris said all the party’s elected representatives are rural constituencies where the majority of the indigenous people dwells.
“I think they have been vocal in addressing pertinent issues affecting the indigenous people and to a certain extent their voices have merit recognition in the legislation of policies and laws in the country; inclusivity and fairness emphasising on religious and customary rights, representation in the civil service, education, development and economy.
“In short, bargaining for a fair share of the cake. PRS as a whole will continue to seek fairness and betterment for the people, especially the rural community.”
PRS’ role in the push for autonomy and economic development
On the role of PRS in Sarawak’s push for greater autonomy and economic development, she emphasised the importance of unity within GPS.
“Two or many heads are always better than one, and that was the reason we stuck together through thick and thin with all the major Sarawak-based parties – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) – to form GPS in 2018.”
Doris said GPS’ formation marked the beginning of a significant shift in advocating for greater Sarawak rights, particularly in terms of autonomy and economic advancement.
“In GPS, all decisions are made collectively and as for PRS, we will continue to give our undivided support and at the same time ensure that our grassroots fully understand our course and toe the line for a united and strong GPS.”
Future priorities for Sarawak
Doris emphasised PRS’ dedication to the GPS slogan “Sarawak First,” with a strong focus on Sarawak and Sarawakians’ rights and interests.
“As a party, we cannot be effective if we don’t put or keep our own house (party) in order at all times; one voice, one spirit. That, of course, is prime, before we can become an effective partner within GPS.
“To ensure that Sarawak will continue to thrive, unity amongst Sarawakians and within GPS is crucial for us to be able to fight for our eroded rights whilst seemingly focusing on making Sarawak the new powerhouse.”
Looking Ahead: PRS’ role in the political landscape
Doris said for now GPS is the best and only vehicle to pursue advancement especially for areas or constituencies in the state.
“PRS will of course remain as a Sarawak based party and as I said earlier, will continue to voice and advance the political development of the people of Sarawak.
“This includes especially those in the rural areas with the aim of maintaining the principle of parliamentary democracy through constitutional means.”
On another development, regarding the party’s upcoming Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) next year, Doris said the party has not discussed at length about open contests for party positions.
“We will cross that bridge when we get there. For now, we are set to celebrate our 20th anniversary.”
PRS will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Oct 26 with a grand dinner at the Sheraton Hotel.
The event marks two decades of the party’s significant contributions to Sarawak’s political landscape since its establishment in 2004 by the late Masing.
