The Sibu by-election result has triple far-reaching implications for Sibu, Sarawak and Malaysia.
Most important of all, the DAP/PR victory in the Sibu parliamentary by-election on Sunday sparks new hopes for a Pakatan Rakyat Federal Government in the next 13th General Election in Malaysia.
In one fell swoop, the Sibu Miracle achieved triple national impacts: viz:
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Steadied parliamentary democracy and strengthened Pakatan Rakyat’s parliamentary position to ensure that the Barisan Nasional does not steal back its previous unbroken two-thirds parliamentary majority;
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Sent a clear and unmistakable signal that Sarawak and Sabah are no more Barisan Nasional “fixed deposit” states which had saved the Barisan Nasional federal power in the 308 political tsunami of the 2008 general election and Umno and Putrajaya cannot continue to take the people of Sarawak and Sabah for granted in disregarding their legitimate grievances and discontents.
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Demonstrated growing maturity and effectiveness of the Pakatan Rakyat political alliance. The Sibu by-election is the first foray of Pakatan Rakyat Sarawak comprising PKR,PAS, DAP and SNAP. The campaigning by all Pakatan Rakyat leaders including Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Datuk Seri Azizah Ismail, Azmin Ali, Saifuddin Nasution, Zuraida Kamaruddin, Fuziah Salleh, Nurul Izzah, Zaid Ibrahim (PKR) and Datuk Seri Hadi Awang, Nasharuddin Mat Isa, Salahuddin Ayub, Mahfuz Omar, Mustapha Ali, Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin, Mat Sabu, Datuk Wan Abdul Rahim, Dzulkefly Ahmad (PAS) have demonstrated not only to Sibuans but also to Sarawakians and Malaysians of the quality and nature of the New Politics for a New Malaysia.
What is most promising is the support Pakatan Rakyat received from both voters (including voters who had voted for BN in the by-election) and the young generation who are not registered voters, showing that the future is one that holds great promise provided Pakatan Rakyat parties are prepared to work from now onwards on Sarawak state.
There was a swing of some 6.4% of the Chinese voters from 63% to 69.4% (there would have been a greater swing to probably 75% if not for the Najib factor).
There was interestingly a 2.7% increase of Malay/Melanau vote for Ho Leng as compared to 2008.
The SUPP/BN campaign in the Sibu by-election was most successful in locking up the Iban long houses with the twin politics of money and intimidation, resulting in the DAP/PR candidate suffering a marginal loss of 2.6% of Iban votes.
However, the favourable support the DAP/PR campaign received among both Iban and Melanau/Malay voters demonstrated that both the Iban and Melanau/Malay constituencies are fertile grounds for making inroads for the forthcoming Sarawak state and federal elections.
#1 by Bigjoe on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 1:24 pm
PR will definitely make gains in GE 13, at the very least it will get back Penang, Perak and Selangor as well as make inroads in Sabah. PAS may take Terengganu and a few places but Kedah may be given back. Enough to win? I still say Hulu Selangor was equally a water-shed event that ensure BN is likely to win if election is held today or the next 12 months. The weak link is still PKR. It simply need a lot of talent and there are few available from the pool – self-sacrificing, liberal and confident people from the Malays are simply in short-supply.
But I don’t think that its what matters. This road that PR is leading is a road Malaysian must go through regardless of the outcome. Any other option is simply not lasting enough. The issue of corruption, justice, crime is nothing to do with race, religion. Its about strength and responsibilities of leaders first but include everyone too.
#2 by dagen on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 1:59 pm
Jib got himself caught in an impossible quandry playing money politics. Whilst money politics has served umno elections well, it clearly does not go down well with the general population, esp the chinese, at all. In HS the promise of RM3m had to be fulfilled come what may otherwise (1) jib would turn into a big fat liar; and (2) jib and umno would forever lose that carrot dangling tactic during election. Although mighty expansive, HS by-election at least was won. Sibu in a different fish altogether. Clearly jib decided to take a risk. To make good the HS RM3m boo-boo no doubt. His message was “look, I deliver my promises” and now “I up my quantum for you sibu folks”. He wanted the people to see him in a positive light – as someone who honours his words and what is more, he is now promising more. Of course, he was snubbed. No one believed him. “Trust me” he said. “No. No. Dont” sibuans replied. It was quite a decisive reply, actually, but for the postal votes. He upped the stakes in sibu and the consequences no doubt is now a great deal greater than HS. By my reckoning, he cannot back down. If he could not back down in HS with an about turn on the RM3m promise, he would find it much much harder to do it now in sibu! Let them dangle the biggest carrots they can find and let us continue to support pakatan.
#3 by Jong on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 1:59 pm
Stay focused – “making inroads” next!
Yes, Pakatan Rakyat should get down to serious business, start work immediately, serve the people while they still have the people’s support and just don’t be distracted by BN regime’s back-stabbing at every turns and corners. Those scumbags will continue but their evil-doing will be translated into people’s anger eg the Perak powergrab – Perakians still have not accepted the palace-backed BN, or forgotten what they did and just can’t wait to throw those pirates out!
Zambry can boast he has gained Perakians’ confidence, alot of hot air and rhetorics but he is too coward to call for a Perak state election!
#4 by chengho on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:07 pm
this is very thick foochow area unless najib change his name to Foochow name. Dap play racist card
#5 by k1980 on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:10 pm
change his name to Foochow name….
How about Nah Ah Cheap the cheapskate?
#6 by TheWrathOfGrapes on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:10 pm
Is that why you change yours to a Chinese name?
#7 by Bunch of Suckers on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:17 pm
Nope! Chengho real name is “Changeholes”! His mama named him as “Changeholes” because she often changed holes from clients to clients…
#8 by newchief on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:18 pm
I REALLY DOUBT pk can form the next government just because of a very very slim win in sibu .
results from the last 2 elections namely hulu and sibu clearly shows pk still has ‘0’ points to woo the malays,indians,ibans and other races especially those who are among the poorest in malaysia !!!
the trend najib applies now is coming to the campaign with ‘angpow’ instead of goodies and publicly, ‘demand’ the voters to vote for bn if they really want the angpows !!! this is truely a clear cut of bribery of which, sad to say, the oppositions are not strong enough to take him to court to face action !!
as such, what has pk to counter offer to these so called bribe takers!!!??? NOTHING !!! your just talking bad tactics about bn doesn’t make these people feel a bit !!!
to be the next government, you should go turun padang to help them and blame the current government for ignoring your pleas for funds to help them !!!!
lastly, to oust bn, unless you can convince sabah and sarawak that they are only f/d interest and not f/d, you WON’T GET THE CHANCE because bn is playing dirty politics and you can’t seem to tackle their game !!!!
#9 by rahmanwang on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:18 pm
Yes.Pakatan guys and gals.Please start work for GE13 now.I see it that BN has already lost touch and keep playing the racial cards.Perkasa making May 13 walkabout with the racist Mahathir.This does not work anymore.
Malays know the threat is not Malaysian Chinese or Indians.It is a global trade that we have to worry about.Barriers are all torn down and we Malaysian have to compete internationally.If government have to think of ‘giving’ Malays 30% for all business and take 10% personally,international investors will not inst in Malaysia.
#10 by rahmanwang on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:21 pm
Sorry , International investor will not invest in Malaysia
#11 by k1980 on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:25 pm
Lobert Lau: “Not fair one….. I lost but stilll they never appoint me as senator one. Look at Koh Ah Koon, he lost and he became senator and oso minister. I demand to be made a senator or I will join the dap. Grrr…”
#12 by Jong on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:44 pm
Hahaha! When the late Robert Lau won Sibu, wasn’t Sibu then a very thick foochow area, only now chengho?
BN should search themselves what went wrong. DAP/PR has corrupt Najib to thank for his “Open Bribery” – view this video of Najib: “You help me, I help you”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwNLT428PqU
My opinion is, this was where BN lost – Najib’s last ditch effort was vulgar, uncalled for and he failed miserably. The people felt intimidated. Seriously he insults and it’s so demeaning to Sibuans – rural folks/natives.
It just goes to show that the Prime Minister has no understanding of the locals; Sibuans definitely have stronger sturdier sets of spine than those in Batang Ai and Hulu Selangor!
Najib has taken politics to the lowest level, outright vote buying. He should be arrested immediately!
What is Election Commission/SPR doing about it? Turning deaf, dumb and blind? What about MACC?
#13 by ch on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:46 pm
Dear All,
While many would agree that the swing of Chinese votes to Pakatan Rakyat will severely affect BN in the next general election but could not deny the fact that an effective gerrymandering would change the entire scenario for Pakatan. Therefore it is important for Pakatan to ensure BN fails to achieve the two third parliamentary majority. It was reported that BN needs only another 5 seats in the parliament to change the course of history. I certainly believe that BN leaders particularly those from UMNO would do whatever within their ability to swing those 5 seats in favour to them.
#14 by dagen on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 2:52 pm
“Nah Ah Cheap” k1980? Good one there! I like it.
#15 by johnnypok on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 3:00 pm
1. The posts of PM and DPM be rotated between Sabah, Sarawak for the next 50 years, otherwise it is better for the two states to pull out of the federation altogether and form a new nation.
2. Malaya must pay back all the money that they have stolen from Sabah and Sarawak.
#16 by sotong on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 3:01 pm
70 -80% Chinese votes to Opposition for social justice….the Chinese are a successful community, despite decades of discriminative policies.
#17 by bennylohstocks on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 3:14 pm
NEW STRATEGIES-WATCH OUT!
#18 by SGPR on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 3:16 pm
======
change his name to Foochow name….
How about Nah Ah Cheap the cheapskate?
=====
What about Jib-Na Min?
#19 by son of perpaduan on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 3:30 pm
Axis of evil contains two kind of laws;
Law for the rich and corrupt.
Law for the poor with dignity.
Malaysia boleh….yeh…boleh.
#20 by Thinking Two on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 3:52 pm
Mr. Mu-he-din said “malays first”!!!!!!!!!!!
#21 by HJ Angus on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 4:18 pm
DAP should actually thank the PM for supplying them with that priceless video!
For all we know forces within UMNO may even be thinking that he really cannot lead them for the next GE with such style of campaign.
Make CDs of the video and can even use it to raise some funds.
Possible Titles:
“Can you trust him?”
“A better deal from your used car dealer”
“Don’t try this to bribe a cop”
#22 by k1980 on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 4:28 pm
More Possible Titles–
“Abang PM comes bearing gifts”
“Your tax money goes poof!”
” Are you Sleeping Brother MACC?”
“Jibby Clause Comes to Town”
#23 by Dap man on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 4:35 pm
If BN is unable to see the change in the people’s mood then they must real stupid.
Unless there is widespread cheating and vote rigging, there is no way BN is going to win the next GE.
Perkasa is there to see that it acts as the millstone around BN’s next to make it sink in the south china sea.
#24 by monsterball on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 4:44 pm
It sends a clear message to Najib….his Hulu Selangor referendum has reached his judgement day in Sibu.
Try to bribe Tau Pak Kong and Jesus?
How low can a man go?
#25 by buy election on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 4:45 pm
Dear PR, Sarawak is the richest state in terms of natural resources. You all better focus on Sarawak. Remember that blocks L and M for oil are not done yet.
#26 by monsterball on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 4:54 pm
hahahahahahaha….Chengho never had it so good from..”Bunch of Suckers” and “The WrathOfGrapes”
How can Chengho keep taking all these insults?
Chengho….the UMNO melayu… changing holes….hahahahahahaha
UMNO B idiots..seem to be famous with holes and dots.
Poor Anwar….get accused before someone accuses the love boat of UMNO B fellas.
This art is the trademark of the UMNO B creator…the devil reincarnated man.
Strange so silent after son lost in Sibu.
What kind of a father is he?
#27 by sheriff singh on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 5:09 pm
Don’t get carried away just because you won one.
How many state seats did you “win” on Sunday? How many can you all win from the 71 or 72 available?
Point remains – you do not have the man power and reliable, credible candidates to stand. Some are already doing double and triple duty. If they conk, you immediately have several vacancies to worry about.
You will probably end up like PKR enlisting all the dubious characters, bad hats and frogs to stand and then jump, or hold you to ransom.
The vast majority of Sarawak constituencies are all designed in favour of BN and until you can find a way to break this strangle hold, you have very little chance.
Get real. The people there are still not angry enough in numbers and even if they are, their hands are still very much tied up.
Build on this beach head. The conquest of Sarawak might still be possible if you plan it right.
#28 by frankyapp on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 5:12 pm
Chinese tycoon got 14 years for bribery.What would NR get for open bribery ? If in China I think he would get 28 years sentence in jail. Since he is PM and controls the judiciary from A-Z in the country he got away scot-free.No wonder Moohidin wanted to grasp the PM post from him working hand in glove with TDM and Ibrahim Ali aka Perkasa cos these guys are afraid to be landed like the chinese tycoon in China.NR’s problem especially with the first lady who’s not smiling all the time,one reason amongst many others maybe not happy for being addressed as the PM’s wife in the just concluded Thomas cup tournament in KL This I think she is more of a reliablity than an asset to Najib. Now back to DAP/PR win in the Sibu by election. A win is a win,people like chengho shouldn’t talk too much about Foo chow people. With this victory,malaysian all over the country now realized and accepted that PR final victory to Putra Jaya is imminent especially through the 13th GE. I think Umno/BN crediblity is pretty damaged and no matter what Umno/Bn are going to make amend,it will be futile. All DAP/PR now needed to do is just stay on the coast,enhancing it along the way and the journey to reach putra Jaya will be safe and sound . Poeple’s power is stronger that bribes and dirty money politic.
#29 by monsterball on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 5:16 pm
hi good Malaysians…excluding Chengho….listen to Najib’s election speech at Rejang Park…Sibu.
Ekompute have put out the link at the post with more than 300 comments.
Listen to Najib’s bullshits. Yes he said PR bullshit people!!
Listen to his low class hollow campaign speech..with his hand shivering and sweating..and wiping his mouth…after every sentence.,
This man knows….he is trying his best to fool all Malaysians….but with no class.
#30 by k1980 on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 5:18 pm
Tua Pek Kong gave RM1.75 million to Sibu churches, while the Pope gave RM 0.00
http://anilnetto.com/accountability/mystery-surrounds-grants-for-sibu-churches/
#31 by dylsee on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 5:19 pm
Although it is glad to see the slim victory in Sibu, it is also an indication that more efforts should be done in future, especially among the Ibans and other races. I don’t think that they have a clear picture of what is going on in politics and thus somehow PR should work with their leaders and their economic situation should be taken care of as soon as possible.
#32 by monsterball on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 5:23 pm
hi good Malaysians…excluding Chengho.
Go and listen to Najib’s Rejang Park election speech.
Ekompute have put out the link at the post with more than 300 comments.
Listen to his low class hollow speech..with his hand shivering and sweating..wiping his mouth..after every sentence.
Those are signs of a guilty nervous man…trying to save his own skin.
#33 by yhsiew on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 5:45 pm
The hope for a PR Federal Government in the next general election is always there. However, it is up to Pakatan Rakyat parties to pump in hard work, energy and make sacrifices (if need be) to turn this hope into reality.
#34 by k1980 on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 5:55 pm
Prior to the 12th GE, PKR and DAP haggled furiously over the allocation of seats to contest. PKR succeeded in getting the constituencies such as Wangsa Jaya, Bandar Baru, Nibung Tebal ect, winning them only to see its reps hopping over to bn. Had the DAP contested those seats, today they would still be under the control of PR.
My point is that getting seats to contest is less important than having the correct candidates to contest them. All potential candidates need to be extensively screened and their past history filtered so that opportunists such as tan tibeng and wee chukiong are never allowed into the party.
#35 by boh-liao on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 9:39 pm
Sorry, don’t b too cocksure abt it, one swallow doesn’t make a summer
Rest b assured dat during d next State Election n GE, many Chinese voters in Sibu WILL B REMOVED fr d list of eligible voters n transferred 2 other BN-sure-win constituencies
Many Malay n Iban voters will be gerrymandered 2 Sibu
Furthermore, d number of postal voters will b increased dramatically
So, enjoy this transient happiness ‘cos d next election results will favor BN again – d no integrity NR n EC guarantee dat
#36 by House Victim on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 9:41 pm
How many voters had voted emotionally and not rationally should be the key factors for a sensible Federal Government to be elected next.
Or, there had not been any clear and convincing figures or facts that can help the voters to decide rationally.
Has PK portrait or promised what a sensible Government should be for People to compare or hope for the next to come?
Are PK running States be able to convince the People they are doing what they had promised or portrait in last GE12?
Outline the Projects it has approved and conducted by the Federal Government in the past 50 years.
Get as much as possible the Due Diligent survey or information on what had happened.
Have those PK states care to look into those loopholes and plug?
Those loopholes had vacuum most, if not all, the resources of Malaysia. And, most will continue to suck the blood of the tax payer for the next 10-20 years if they cannot be stopped.
If these cannot be plugged by those PR running states, can PK run the Government without depending on only taxes from the People?
If corrupted money has no way to be recovered. Everyone, including those pensioners have to contribute again!!
YES, IT MUST BE CHANGED BUT WITH SOMEONE WHO DARE TO WORK LEGALLY AND NOT ONLY POLITICALLY.
PK must deliver what they had said in last GE12, or, Voters will still be at cross-road for any new election to come!
Penang has promised a CAT Government and what has it gone so far??
Yes, a more efficient Government but dare not talk on resident security or legal issues on land, shy to talk justice even with the Lion as advisor??
#37 by Jong on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 9:47 pm
Umno is not that stupid to trust those kataks. Once they have outlived their usefulness, taliban zul, tan tb, zahraine, latukshit heehaw and wee will be chucked down the garbage trough just as fast.
Their political future is gone, finished!
If they can betray their own party and trust of electorates, they will betray again, and again.
#38 by Bunch of Suckers on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 10:07 pm
Thanks for enlightening us to watch that hog groans greedily! It is outrageous, man! I’m tired of watching this so-called our Bodohland PM? Piss off, our Changehole can speak more professionally than this hog! The spoken language, in terms of words, sentences and etc, are low class! The body language is jerky with aasss-wiping every second after blahing out one sentence or statement! Does he contracting Foot-And-Mouth disease or what? Why continuously wiping his salivary asssss?
Honestly, he is PM of the other Malaysians, certainly, NOT the PM of mine!!! Unqualified in many categories! ONLY good in briberies and cock sucking! Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is 100% better than him…
#39 by on cheng on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 10:12 pm
Dr. CSL , if perkasa, not related to gomen, then why not charge their leaders for sedition ????
#40 by mauriyaII on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 - 11:25 pm
On the spot k1980. Pakatan Rakyat should make it a point to screen potential candidates for the 13 GE or any bye election that may arise before the GE.
Of all the PR parties, the PKR seems to be the weakest as most of its members are exUMNO corrupt characters without the moral and ethical fibre to serve the constituents who voted for them on a PKR ticket.
The moment money is dangled in front of them, they give some frivolous excuses to leave PKR. To give a semblance of intergrity they claim to be independant but are only too willing to go with their masters in UMNO on foreign trips at the expence of the taxpayers.
Pakatan Rakyat should never ever take in people from UMNO or the other irrelevant component parties of BN. They are all potential frogs.
DAP and PAS would be better off if they too scrutinise their candidates so that the likes of Ibrahim Ali or the Jelapang slut is inadvertantly chosen to represent the people.
The good people of Sibu has shown the middle finger to money politics and corruption. Hopefully the Sabahans would follow suit and show UMNO/BN that Sarawak and Sabah are no more the vote banks of the Barang Naik party.
Sibu has voted for CHANGE. Let us all vote for CHANGE and a BETTER Malaysia in the 13 GE.