“We are not sure yet about the percentage of women in the overall candidacies, but the number will be more than in the last election,” Jannie, who was appointed to her post in February, told FMT today.
“DAP women will have to be more forthcoming so that they’ll be chosen as candidates.”
Jannie, who is a former Sabah Bersih chairperson and Suhakam commissioner as well as a staunch women’s rights activist, said indigenous women’s active participation in politics was still limited primarily due to family objections.
She said many women were discouraged by their family, particularly their husbands, from taking part in politics.
“This obstacle still exists, although more women are now carrying out a lot of party work, such as campaigning and charity work,” she said.
She urged people to change their perception that Sabah’s indigenous women were only good in a supporting role.
“A lot of indigenous women are taking part in politics for DAP in rural areas in Keningau, Pensiangan and more. I believe women are the key to change.
“People think women are great at carrying out political field work but they’re not as good in things like making speeches. This is not true.
“Women are improving in terms of confidence and knowledge. People need to change their perception of women in politics.”
On whether she would be given a seat to represent DAP, Jannie, who is from Penampang near the state capital, said: “Sure, I’m ready. It’s up to the party leadership to decide whether to field me and anywhere they deem fit.”
Sabah Pakatan Harapan, which consists of PKR, DAP and Amanah, announced recently that 95% of the seats had been distributed among them while the remainder would be discussed soon.