DATUK Seri Doris Sophia Brodie, who is Sri Aman Member of Parliament, famously known as the “tiger” on her TikTok, is a remarkable figure who defies the fierce persona she portrays online.
While her bold presence on social media suggests a tough exterior, those who know her best recognise her as a woman with a heart of gold.
Known for her unwavering dedication to her community and tireless advocacy for those in need, she exemplifies a unique blend of strength and compassion.
Doris has made significant strides in her political career, being the first Dayak woman to become Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Negara, and the first Dayak woman to be elected as a Member of Parliament in Malaysia.
Born and raised in Miri, Doris began her professional journey as a record clerk at Miri General Hospital before embarking on a distinguished career with Shell, where she worked from 1980 until 1996. During her time at Shell, she pursued further education, earning certifications in Public Relations, Business Management, and a Master’s degree.
Her entry into politics came out of ‘curiosity’, especially regarding the formation of PBDS (Parti Bangsa Dayak Sarawak) in 1983.
Intrigued by the party’s focus on the Dayak community, she joined in 1986. Entering a male-dominated field, she faced scepticism and a prevailing belief that women should follow, not lead.
Despite these challenges, Doris remained determined, advocating for women’s voices to be heard and their contributions to politics recognised.
Mentorship from leaders like Tan Sri Leo Moggie and the late Tan Sri James Masing played a crucial role in shaping her political philosophy.
Doris learned that true leadership required staying connected to the grassroots, understanding community needs and serving selflessly.
“Tan Sri Leo Moggie was quite cool and accepting in a way, he always allowed us to speak up even though the thoughts that I shared might not be on par,” she said as she recalled her time when Moggie was the PBDS leader.
“With Tan Sri James Masing, he was a leader that I could relate to. He once told me if you wanted to be a leader in the party, you could not be a keyboard warrior. You had to be in touch with the ground, felt their pulse, felt their heart, felt their heartbeat, only then you could lead them,” she recalled about the late Masing.
Family plays a central role in Doris’s life. Despite the demands of her political career, especially when her children were young, her parents’ unwavering support allowed her to balance family and professional commitments.
Today, with her children having families of their own, Doris cherishes the time she can spend with them. She places great importance on maintaining strong family bonds, staying in touch with loved ones regardless of distance, and constantly reminding herself that her family is her pillar of strength.
Doris’ political priorities are deeply rooted in her commitment to education, gender equality, and empowering the next generation. Education, for her, is the key to unlocking opportunities and progression.
“If you are illiterate, completely illiterate, there is nothing you can do,” she said, emphasising how a lack of education hindered individuals from improving their lives.
Education, she believes, not only opens doors to opportunities but also strengthens communities by helping individuals better manage resources and generate income.
Gender equality is another issue Doris passionately advocates for.
“Women must be included in nation-building,” she said, pointing out that women represented nearly half of Malaysia’s population and 61 to 62 per cent of students in higher education. She believes that acknowledging gender equality is not enough, it must be actively practiced.
“Women can be as good as men, if not better,” she stated.
Doris also emphasises the need for women to support one another, noting that self-respect among women was crucial.
She encourages women in leadership positions to uplift others and insists that women must prove their worth through merit, experience, and dedication rather than relying on quotas.
When critics question her leadership as a woman, she responds to them saying “fly to the moon, where there is no gender or human being,” implying that such narrow views on leadership had no place in an inclusive space.
Doris also offers advice to young women aspiring to enter politics telling them that politics should never be about personal gain or fame but about serving the community.
She often challenges new female politicians with the question, “Do you know why you are in politics?” urging them to reflect on their purpose. She warns that politics can become “dirty” when driven by personal ambitions rather than a genuine desire to serve.
Looking ahead, Doris has set ambitious goals for her Sri Aman Constituency. One of her primary objectives is to eradicate illiteracy in Sri Aman by 2030.
Education, she believes, is vital at every stage of life. She supports programmes like those offered by KEMAS (Community Development Department ), which teach basic skills such as reading, writing, and numeracy, even to the elderly at the longhouses in her constituency.
Beyond basic literacy, Doris is also collaborating with CENTEXS (Sarawak Technology Centre of Excellence) to offer practical courses in trades like wiring certification, beadwork, and traditional Iban costume headgear making, with the aim of boosting the economic prospects of youth and women in her area.
She believes that by providing these skills, Sri Aman can thrive economically, empowering local entrepreneurs and improving the community’s overall well-being.
Doris’s election as the first Dayak woman Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Negara is a milestone she considers her most significant accomplishment.
For Doris, this achievement was not just personal but a reflection of the potential of Sarawak’s Dayak community. She saw her role as an opportunity to inspire others, particularly rural communities, showing them that with determination, they too could achieve great things.
Her journey, despite coming from a family with no political background, proves that with willpower, anyone can carve their own path. She encourages young people, especially women, to take risks, believe in their potential, and never give up.
“One door closing doesn’t mean the end. As long as you are alive, another door will always open,” she said.
Doris shared her thoughts on how the political system could be improved to encourage fresh perspectives and prevent stagnation. One of the key changes she advocates for is imposing term limits on elected officials, including Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen.
“I believe the term for, whether it’s for parliamentarians or state assemblymen, should not exceed more than three terms,” she stated.
“Otherwise, it becomes quite stagnant. You’re not allowing a new breed, new ideas, or new people to contribute.”
Her belief is that political leadership should remain dynamic and open to change. By limiting the time an individual can hold office, it opens the door for new talent to emerge, which would prevent the system from being controlled by a few people.
One of the memorable moments of Doris’s career occurred during a parliamentary election campaign together in 2013 with the late Masing, when she visited a longhouse in dire conditions in Lubok Antu.
Upon arrival, she learned of a young mother who had recently given birth to a baby girl but didn’t have enough milk to feed her. The baby had been starving for over 12 hours, and the family, living in a humble hut, was desperate for help.
Moved by the situation, the group sprang into action. They coordinated a helicopter flight to the nearest town in the midst of a storm to purchase milk powder for the baby.
The relief from the community and the baby’s mother, who named her daughter ‘Baby Doris’, was overwhelming. This act of compassion exemplified Doris’s leadership, rooted not in politics but in genuine care for her people.
As Doris continues her journey, she remains committed to uplifting her community, championing education, and advocating for gender equality. While she does not plan to retire completely from politics, she envisions herself offering encouragement and advice to the younger generation as Sarawak evolves.
When asked how she would like to be remembered in politics, she said “I don’t want to be remembered as a politician. I want to be remembered as a stateswoman.”
For her, the distinction between a politician and a statesman lies in the heart and purpose behind the work.
A statesman, according to Doris, is someone who dedicates himself/herself to a greater cause that is for the well-being of the country, the state, and, most importantly, the people.
“A statesman puts his/her heart into the cause he/she fights for, for the country, for the state, for the nation, and for the people,” she stated with passion.
Her legacy, she hopes, will be one of service to her people and a reminder that the greatest leaders are those who lead with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the common good.
