I refer to an article published in Malaysiakini recently on a joke made by our Chief Minister Adenan Satem suggesting that the PM marry an Iban woman. I do not find it funny. The statement has racist and sexist connotations. It is in bad taste and is disrespectful not only to Iban women but to the Dayak community as a whole.

Being an Iban woman, I would like to register my disappointment on the joke. We Iban women are not commodities for sale even though the majority of us we are economically deprived. Many of us live below the poverty line even though Sarawak is the richest state in Malaysia.

The Iban women and certain segments of the rakyat of Sarawak are not given equal opportunities in government jobs, promotions, developments, business opportunities and the list goes on. Hence, I take this opportunity to seek the CM’s support to find ways to alleviate the economic status of Iban women and all of the rakyat in this state instead of making jokes at our expense.

Instead of making racist and racially discriminating jokes, I challenge the CM to seriously help the Iban women and the rest of the rakyat in this state to improve the wellbeing and livelihood of all.

As a start, you can return to us the Native Customary Rights land that your government has grabbed from us, build basic infrastructure such as roads and power supplies, provide equal employment and business opportunities to all Rakyat irrespective of race or political allegiance. Despite 53 years of independence, certain rural areas in Sri Aman Division still lack basic amenities. In the town, Sri Aman hospital that was promised to us remains uncompleted.

I object any form of racist and sexist jokes and I will speak up regardless who made it, even if he is the CM. As a lady Iban potential candidate for PKR to contest in N32 Simanggang, it is my duty to raise these issues and if elected, I see it as my role to protect people's rights and the welfare of all the people and not just Iban women.

NORINA UMI UTOT is a social activist in Sri Aman, Sarawak.