The 16th Sabah State Election: Kadazandusun Politics and the Huguan Siou Factor

This article analyses the 16th Sabah State Election, focusing on the Kadazandusun-majority seats. It is based on an ethnographic study comprising interviews with candidates and casual conversations with local people in "competitive" Kadazandusun seats such as Matunggong, Kiulu, Moyog, Tambunan, Keningau, Sook, Nabawan, Tenom and Melalap. The results of the election showed that the Kadazandusun voted for status quo. In addition, following the trend of GE14, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) managed to maintain its strong presence in the Kadazandusun areas. This article argues that ethnic and personality politics play an instrumental role in determining the Kadazandusun support to GRS particularly STAR (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Rakyat Sabah/Homeland Solidarity Party) and PBS (Parti Bersatu Sabah/Sabah United Party). While economic factors are decisive as well, the role of the Kadazandusun traditional leadership institution is pertinent in influencing the people’s decision to vote

Pru13 : Isu Dan Pola Pengundian Di Kawasan Luar Bandar Di Sarawak

Kertas kerja ini berdasarkan kajian yang telah dibuat di empat kawasan pilihanraya di kawasan luar bandar untuk mengetahui isu dan juga pola pengundian di kawasan-kawasan tersebut. Kawasan kajian difokuskan di luar bandar iaitu di kawasan Sri Aman, Lubok Antu, Betong dan Saratok

Implications of Covid-19 Pandemic on Household Food Security: Experinece from Sarawak, Malaysia

This paper discusses how household food security is affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, using examples from Sarawak, Malaysia. Food security in Sarawak was affected by the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) that was introduced to curb the spread of the Covid-19 disease. The MCO, and the subsequent phases that followed, imposed a varying degree of restrictions on movements in the country. This measure had serious repercussions on food security as it affects the distribution of food as well as how people access food. This raises questions of how secure households are in terms of food security, how do they ensure food security for their households and what are their greatest challenge in ensuring food security. This paper seeks to address those questions by examining the experiences and perceptions on food security during the pandemic based on the responses of 235 respondents. Findings indicated that most households are food secure i.e. having similar access to food as prior to MCO and have not skipped any meals. In order to achieve this, households had to resort to various measures including switching their food sources, shopping online, and going without their preferred food. Significantly, the finding shows that food security means more than just having enough food but should also incorporate elements of variety, types and quantity of food. It also shows that the greatest challenge in achieving and maintaining household food security lies in the way household cope with the changes brought, both directly and indirectly, by the pandemic

Preliminary observations on indigenous knowledge and the uses of natural resources in Banting and Padawan

This paper discusses preliminary findings of the study on indigenous knowledge of various cultural, religious, medicinal and culinary uses of the natural resources found in two different indigenous communities in Sarawak, namely the Iban of Banting and the Bidayuh of Padawan. Structured interviews were carried out with each household head in the selected villages to determine indigenous knowledge of these communities on the usage of and reliance on natural resources. Through focus group discussions, indigenous knowledge on the various uses of identified natural resources is still available in these two communities. Their dependence on natural resources as building materials, food and, in the economic aspects still exist. However, their dependence on natural resource is diminishing. The indigenous knowledge gap between the old and younger generation of both Iban dan Bidayuh areas has also been identified. Most of the young people are no longer practicing traditional way of life because they are more comfortable with the modern way of life today. In addition, most Iban people in Banting, and the Bidayuh in Padawan have embraced Christianity and practiced modern way of life

Traditional handicrafts and the use of natural resources among the Iban of Balai Ringin, Serian,

This study investigates the possible gaps in current indigenous knowledge in the use of natural resources, specifically in traditional handicraft making. The Iban women are known for their traditional weaving skills. However, due to various reasons, this knowledge is declining. Through interviews and focus group discussions, the knowledge on the types and availability of resources in the respective areas, as well as the gap of knowledge in resource use and management between the older and younger generations and its cause were identified. Through observation, while traditional baskets and mats are still used by the Iban today, most of the traditional handicrafts made using natural materials seen in the longhouses are relics from the past, made by previous generations. The scarcity of raw materials such as rattan and wood has resulted in the decline of the production of such handicrafts. Though the skills of making these baskets especially among younger generation are eroding, the cultural significance of this basket among Iban community should not be forgotten

Exploring Situation of Accountability Relationship of Councilors in Multiparty Politics

This research paper explored the situation and challenges facing politically elected Councilors from different political parties on how to implementing accountability in multiparty politics. Accountability relationship plays an important role in understanding behavior and attitude of the local actors from different political institutional background, and experience towards implementation of accountability practices. Qualitative methods and approaches were utilized in data collection and analysis. The study adopted a case study approach where four (3) municipalities of Kinondoni, Temeke, and Ilala of the Dar es Salaam city council in Tanzania were involved in the study. The overall sample of 44 respondents involved in the study through in-depth interviews. Documentary review was considered necessary, where different documents complementarily to the study were rationally reviewed. The results of this research paper revealed that there was a poor relationship that resulted into accountability disagreement practice in most of political governance matters due to patronage politics and policy preferences. This research paper recommends reforms on accountability framework in Dar es Salaam municipalities