As a woman who grew up in an environment where women were denied their rights to education, had few job options, and were subjected to mistreatment within families, the late Chi Mei Si made it her mission to help women overcome the community’s traditional social stigma.
Chi, a women’s rights figure in Sarawak, grew up in Shanghai, China, among families that were adamant that even the women in the family were entitled to education. Understanding the importance of education, she began her career as a teacher in various schools after arriving in Sarawak in 1949 with her husband and three children.
After concluding her career in teaching, Chi realised that she would have a greater impact if she were actively involved in the making and changing of governmental policy. Always advocating for the betterment of women, she believed that holding a position in the political arena was the means of effecting change.
Irene Yong, who had witnessed Chi’s rise in politics, remembers her as a tough cookie who no one could beat.
“I first met her in Sibu in 1968. She had a private school at Oya Road. However, the meeting was brief. And when I saw her again in 1977 in Kuching, she persuaded me to join her in her political venture.”
Chi, who joined the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) in 1971, was instrumental in the formation of the Women’s Wing in 1978. The effort was made to revitalise the party at the grassroots level, particularly among Sarawak women. Prior to its establishment, Chi saw the need to address issues concerning women such as child care, education for rural women, better job prospects, and boosting women’s status.
At the time, Yong, who was a businesswoman and mother, believed that women should not get involved in politics.
However, it was Chi who had told Yong that, “Everyone thinks that they do not have the time to be involved in politics. Women in business, women making money, and women caring after their children are just a few of the many reasons why politics should be stable, and you, as a woman, should be involved to keep an ear and an eye in.”
Deeply impacted by Chi’s words, Yong began her political journey as a member of the SUPP’s Women’s Section. As the party’s first English speaker and English-educated member, Yong remembers touring across Sarawak with Chi and the other members advocating for women’s rights by setting up activities.
The Wanita section of the SUPP was inaugurated on March 5, 1978, with 13 members serving on the Central Committee and a total of 184 members. In November 1978, the first branch was established in Sibu, and by the end of the year, the Women’s Wings had 495 members statewide. The Wanita Section of the Sarikei and Miri branches were formed a year later, in August 1979.
The first few years were devoted recruiting members, which proved challenging because women believed their role was restricted to their household. It was nothing out of the ordinary, according to Yong.
“The Chinese women were raised to look after the household. They just stayed at home, while the males were in charge of bringing home the money.
“If you ask them, they will tell you that they have to look after their husbands first, then their children, and then the house. They must remain at home to cook and clean. They leave the other things to the men,” added the 75-year-old.
Amending the Inheritance Law
Chi stepped down as Central Wanita leader in 1984 after three two-year terms. At the same time, she was a key figure in the establishment of the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Women’s Association. The goal of the association was to continue to support women of Sarawak.
Chi devoted her time in the 1980s advocating for the Female Inheritance Act. She began fighting under SUPP in 1981 and then progressed through the association. The goal was to provide women equal inheritance rights under the law.
“At the time, she noticed that many of the ladies lacked power. Back then, if their husbands died, their grown-up son would be the next-of-kin to receive the inheritance. If there are none, the father or brother will take over.”
According to Yong, one case inspired Chi to work for the betterment of women.
“This woman had lost everything and was forced to rely on her brother-in-law to feed her and her children. It was difficult since the brother-in-law became hesitant to comply over time. There were a lot of situations like this. Chi witnessed it and felt sad for them. So it was through Chi that women could accomplish what they desired.”
After many years of hard labour, the Inheritance Act, which was previously exclusively applicable in West Malaysia, was extended to Sarawak in 1986. Women were granted equal rights to all types of inheritance under the Act.
