Ibans Demand Apology For Offensive Remarks - Jabu

KUCHING, July 24 (Bernama) -- The humble loincloth appears to be causing a political storm in the Land of the Hornbill.
It began with Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang blaming the Opposition's loss in April's Batang Ai by-election, solely on ignorant 'cawat' or loincloth-wearing voters who did not know how to vote.
His remarks, carried by the Malaysiakini online news portal on July 11, was very damaging because it was not based on facts, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu who wants Hadi to apologise to the Iban community, especially in Lubok Antu.
Jabu, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president, said: "Even though he (Hadi) is entitled to his own views, he is proven wrong because sensible people vote for the Barisan Nasional (BN) and his derogatory remarks are tantamount to looking down on the voters' well-being," he said.
He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a rehearsal for the official opening of the new Sarawak Legislative Assembly building at Petra Jaya here by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on Monday.
In the April 7 state by-election, BN retained the Iban-majority seat after political novice Malcolm Mussen Lamoh defeated former five-time Lubok Antu Member of Parliament Jawah Gerang of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Irked by Hadi's comments which was made in the run-up to the Manek Urai by-election which was won by PAS, Jabu said anyone who had offended any community should apologise if he was a sensible person.
"I have covered Lubok Antu very extensively, well before the by-election, during and after it and under normal circumstances, you don't see anyone wearng 'cawat', except during traditional dances when traditional costumes are displayed," he said, adding it had been demonstrated that BN was very strong in Sarawak.
Reacting to the same issue, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Datuk Seri Dr James Masing was quoted as saying that such comments could stir racial tension in the country as it suggested the voters were uncivilised.
"Calling Dayak voters uncivilised is uncalled for. It shows just how ignorant PAS is of the situation in Batang Ai," said Masing, who was also BN director of operations for the Batang Ai by-election.
Meanwhile, Tan Sri Dr George Chan, president of Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) -- one of the state BN component parties -- said he was disappointed over Hadi's remarks.
He said political leaders should be sensitive and responsible when making media statements to avoid tension in a multiracial country.
"Being an experienced political leader, he (Hadi) should be aware of his responsibilities," said Dr Chan, who is also deputy chief minister, after opening the three-day 'Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (SKMM) Broadband Fair 2009' here Friday.

tunku : that is how the opposition mind works.those who voted them are angels and those who don't are called ignorant 'cawat' or loincloth-wearing voters who did not know how to vote.they think all the people wearing pants voted them.this is words coming out of a party president.so disgusting.we hope the Ibans in sarawak will reject these type of politics and show them the boots for the coming state election. again they will blame the media for highlighting the stupid remarks.