A Sarawak Spring?


By Bridget Welsh

When change rocked the Middle East from Tunisia to Yemen, many were quick to point out that it could not happen in Malaysia. The BN government has a stronger record of governance and, for all of the unevenness of the playing field, holds competitive elections.

Yet, as the Sarawak campaign has unfolded, it is increasingly becoming apparent that change is afoot. The 30-year tenure of Abdul Taib Mahmud – closely paralleling the length of Hosni Mubarak’s own tenure – has inspired an unprecedented response on the ground.

With record attendance at rallies across the state, the floodgates of change have opened, with Prime Minister Najib Razak calling on all of his cabinet to campaign in what has become a defining national litmus test.

The 10th Sarawak election is perhaps the first real test since March 2008 of whether Malaysia will experience a similar spring, or whether it will stave off change.

Growing loss of faith in S’wak leadership

There are important similarities between Sarawak and the Middle East beyond the length of the tenure of the leadership. Foremost is deepening discontent with the state leadership, as more and more Sarawakians are losing faith in it.

With Taib Mahmud’s decision to contest and not clearly offer a succession plan, attention has remained riveted on his personal and family’s wealth. Attempts to block the Sarawak Report are too late.

While many personally remain loyal to Taib, especially among the Malay/Melanau community and to a lesser extent among some of the Iban communities, the issues of corruption and nepotism have become center stage in a manner that makes the 2006 polls pale in comparison.

These issues are being discussed in longhouses and coffee shops in an open manner, with references to concrete examples that has allowed the issue to permeate across communities. Some voters feel betrayed and lied to as there is a loss of credibility for BN state leaders.

What distinguishes this ‘kopitiam’ talk from previous polls is the scope of discussion and a widening belief that the excesses were exactly that, excesses.

Unfavourable economic conditions

The timing of the elections is not working in the BN’s favour, and contributing to the sense of excesses. Inflation remains high in Sarawak (higher than Peninsular Malaysia), and the effects of growth under Najib’s tenure, for example the New Economic Model (NEM) programme, have not been felt to the same degree.

Development in Sarawak has stagnated in the last few years, as growth has slowed and incomes have not risen. The state’s economic benefits have been seen to be concentrated in hands of Taib’s political elite. Sarawak’s economy – with the exception of tourism and port development associated with natural gas – lacks dynamism.

Even the higher commodity prices for items such as palm oil have not trickled down in the same manner as Peninsular Malaysia, as these are dominated by corporations operating plantations (many in the hands of the political elite and Peninsular Malaysians) rather than smaller farmers.

Retail sectors have been pinched by less spending, due to the persistence of low wages, which remain shockingly low in services and agriculture especially, with workers making less than RM500 a month in arguably a consumer market that is at least 30 percent more expensive than Peninsular Malaysia.

Food security has also emerged as an issue, with the change in agricultural production and inflation, reducing the quality of food, especially in the rural areas.

Hardcore poverty levels may have dropped from 1980, but current relative poverty levels remain high, with the state recording second highest in the country. The gap between the rich and poor in Sarawak is increasing and arguably wider – if one believes even just some of the reports on the state’s political elites wealth – than Peninsular Malaysia.

Economic hardship and disparity are much more prominent this election and these too are being openly discussed.

Loss of fear

This open discussion has started to transform another key element that has been an integral part of the fabric of Sarawak politics – fear.

While there is considerable concern that the voting process is not secret (which is understandable in less populated communities), there is also more willingness to come out and gather, and, as it happened on the streets in Cairo, this dynamic is gathering momentum.

Many voters, reticent of showing their loyalties to the opposition, are braving possible repercussions and attending meetings. They are giving financial support in some towns that rivals donations in the 2008 March elections.

While the BN is pointing to instability – reminiscent of the 2001 polls after September 11 – this is not having the same traction, as voters in Sarawak like those in Egypt are openly defiant.

More dynamic Internet campaign

Part of the reason has to do with new sources of information, namely the access to alternative sources of information. Blogs, websites like Malaysiakini, YouTube and more have become an integral part of the campaign. This did not happen before, even in March 2008.

The cyber campaign has been as hot as the rallies, perhaps even hotter. It is important to appreciate that Internet penetration in Sarawak is much more limited than in Peninsular Malaysia, concentrated in the major towns. Information however is filtering to the semi-rural and rural areas, but slowly and without a major impact to date.

Ironically, this was the situation in the Middle East as well, as the information sharing was concentrated in the urban areas. The middle class and professionals were especially important conduits and discussion leaders, and this dynamic seems to be at play in Sarawak as well.

Critical role of diaspora

The final similarity at play involves the important role of the Sarawak disapora. There are an estimated 300,000 Sarawakians outside of the state. Most left due to the lack of opportunities for employment and are concentrated in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

They have been following this election from afar, giving support and their return to vote will be a crucial factor in shaping the outcomes in the close contests. How many come home will be decisive in the final outcome.

The same issue will play out within the state, as younger voters in Kuching, Miri and Bintulu will shape campaigns in the rural communities.

Extremely tight contests

While these items point to a turning tide toward change, there are important challenges that make this contest the most competitive contest in Sarawak’s history. The opposition gains in 2006 were won on very, very slim margins, and the overall small numbers of voters in constituencies makes for close races.

None of the opposition seats are “secure”, given the tightness of the contests and now more than ever races are open contests. Almost half of the 71 seats are in play, with the number of undecided voters extremely high, especially in the Iban areas and in semi-rural seats. The results in all of the seats will be down to the wire, including every opposition incumbent.

BN’s money and machinery

The BN will continue to rely of its traditional advantage of resources. The machinery of the BN – including the use of government departments – is well-oiled and the BN has the access to the rural areas, allowing it a secure buffer of “sure” wins.

The money has flowed already, with houses receiving RM1,000, individuals RM200 and influential individuals as much as RM5,000. Gone are the days when all that was paid was RM20. What will be interesting to see is if money continues to rule the day, which has been the case in previous elections, and how much more is on the way.

The early disbursement has made for an expensive election. The increasing use of financial incentives for support highlights a challenge that the BN faces in strengthening and in some cases reestablishing its legitimacy. The development card in Sarawak does not quite have the same impact.

At this rate, it will be hard for the BN to afford a national GE.

Personal ties and party

The continued use of patronage distinguishes Malaysia’s possible “spring” from the change in the Middle East. In Sarawak, with its smaller population, especially in the rural areas, the ties are personal. There are many in the rural communities who feel a strong sense of loyalty to their CM Taib, and see their roads and livelihoods tied to his governance.

Unlike the decay of the grassroots connections of Umno in the rural areas of Peninsular Malaysia, the personal relationships are stronger in Sarawak, and continue to engender loyalty.

Crossing the bridge to the unknown – especially given uncertainties in opposition leadership among some – is not quite the step many are willing to take. This gives the BN its base, even though it has frayed.

One of the reasons the SUPP is facing its challenge for survival is that it lost the personal touch in the urban areas. It is not surprisingly that their campaign logo tries to use this appeal, although with limited impact to date.

Another element of the personal dimension to Sarawak’s campaign is the personal relationships of candidates to communities. Candidates are known, from independents to BN ministers. They rely on extended family support and personal friendships. In small communities, these issues matter.

The more the infighting in a particular contest, with independents having their own bases and gripes for contesting, the more the uncertainty in very tight races. Infighting is particularly affecting PKR, Snap and PBB, with the record number of third-corner fights and independents contesting. Overall, this helps the BN to a greater degree than the opposition.

Nastier ethnic politics

What distinguishes this campaign from earlier ones beyond the greater mobilisation of voters is a harder ethnic edge to the campaign. Traditionally, ethnic dynamics in Sarawak have been played out at the elite level, with leadership infighting rarely extending into society. While Iban nationalism has been important, it has had little impact electorally.

Now the terrain has shifted. First, the race card is being used in the Malay/Melanau areas, arguing that their support is crucial for the position of these communities in Sarawak’s leadership.

With photos of PKR’s Baru Bian circulating and not-so-subtle messages being sent in the campaign, the issue of ‘Ketuanan Melayu’ is having an impact.

The quiet argument touted that the Chinese are disloyal for supporting the opposition is also angering some voters, who see Peninsular Malaysia’s ethnic politics being brought into Sarawak inappropriately. This is happening at the same time as Christians – Iban, Chinese, Dayak and some Melanau – remain deeply angry over the handling of the Bible and ‘Allah’ issues.

Religion has been more intertwined with ethnicity and in this Christian-majority state, the questions of freedom of religion are making political ripples, as they did in March 2008 in Peninsular Malaysia.

Further complicating this ethnic dynamic is the issue of land, which has been tied to the perceived marginalisation of Iban and Dayak communities, at the expense of other communities and outsiders.

The lack of headway over customary land issues is having an impact in specific communities and this issue alone has salience in over 15 seats – from Ba’Kelalan to Belaga.

Keeping the contest as fair as possible

What is interesting to observe in this contest is whether the election continues to be played respectfully and fairly. Sarawakians traditionally avoid confrontation and political polarisation. While money has been accepted as a norm, other concerns with electoral process are emerging.

Voters want, and deserve, a fair contest. They want their votes to count. Unconfirmed reports of movement of voters between constituencies, problems with the electoral rolls, challenges over postal votes, IC cards being allegedly handed over for payment for someone to vote for an individual, cancellation of police permits, pressure on shop owners for allowing political discussion and more are raising concerns about the integrity of the polls.

Whatever happens when the final results come, it is essential that the process be credible. Many Sarawakians hope that the BN’s call for good conduct in the campaign will extend to the voting process as well.

The role of neutrality and professionalism among civil servants in Malaysia in the Sarawak election, is as important as the actions of the governments in the Middle East.

Najib’s leadership test

In these final days of the campaign, PM Najib has made a bold move to vest himself in the outcome of the polls. His presence on the ground is more than any other PM as this will be a do-or-die mandate for him.

Crucial will be whether he deflects the angst toward the state government and channels votes toward the BN.

The pattern historically has been one of Taib buttressing BN leaders. That role is reversed in this contest. A parallel can be made to Tunisia and Egypt when other leaders came in to stave off the opposition directed toward the top.

Targets and possibilities

The challenges on both sides are immense as the contest has taken on even greater importance as the campaign has evolved. For the BN, Taib and the SUPP are facing a defining referendum that will affect their future, and they have to hold onto the two-thirds majority and at least three seats, respectively.

For the opposition, any victory that surpasses the 15 seats of 1987 is a major accomplishment. Breaking the two-thirds is not out of the question for the opposition, although it is an extremely tough fight for all concerned, and the advantage remains squarely in the BN court despite the ceramah crowds.

Every vote will count. A spring has yet to come to Sarawak, but, given the changes on the ground, it remains in the realm of the possible.

——–
DR BRIDGET WELSH is associate professor of political science at Singapore Management University. She is in Sarawak to observe the state election. Welsh can be reached at [email protected]

  1. #1 by limkamput on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 1:46 pm

    I think we Malaysians should never allow again a leader, no matter how capable, more than two terms. They must quit after two terms and subsequently re-contest after the lapse of one term if he is interested to come back.

    Also the PM should not be finance or home affairs minister. State MB or CM should not be in charge of all the important portfolios like land and rural development. Separation of power is not just confined to different branches of government. Within the executive branch, power must be shared, checked and balanced. All these moronic culture started my kutty must stop.

  2. #2 by Thor on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 1:52 pm

    Meradong ppl ask Y Muhyiddin cannot come from Sibu by car 30mins-ride or heli mishap wld not have occurred n capt sahimi wld still be living
    ————————————-

    “Jembalang” don’t ride on car!
    They’ve to fly!
    Just like those in Harry Potter’s movies.
    “Jembalangs” from Peninsula cannot fly on its own anymore because they’re too fat for lift off.
    That’s why they’ve to use heli.

  3. #3 by k1980 on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 2:12 pm

    If bn wins, you can bet that more stamps will be chopped onto the pages of sarawak’s bibles such as “Kneel and tremble before your white-haired emperor, for he has won the people’s blessings to rule for another 30 years”

  4. #4 by Godfather on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 3:05 pm

    Mubarak tried to appease the Egyptians by promising to step down within the year. The Egyptians said no, and brought him down immediately. Sarawakians must have the same courage. Vote Taib out, and he will abandon Sarawak in a hurry to avoid being investigated and prosecuted.

  5. #5 by Godfather on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 3:13 pm

    In the meantime, the looting in the Peninsula gathers pace, as more and more UMNOputras realise that there isn’t a lot of time to make hay while the sun shines…..

    MAB was told to sell the Sepang F1 circuit to Mokhzani. Now, a Mamakthir nephew is in charge and is asking for government grants to “upgrade” the F1 circuit.

    FELDA was told to give renewable energy contracts to another Mamakthir nephew….all to make sure that Mamakthir stays true to UMNO and stops his criticisms of certain UMNO bigwigs.

    Yes, from armoured car contracts, to patrol boat contracts, to submarine service contracts, to F1 racing contracts, they are all looting as quickly as they can. Let the tsunami begin in Sarawak, and let it overwhelm all these thieves on Judgment Day.

  6. #6 by hallo on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 3:47 pm

    Now, it’s the time

    The GOD shown us sign ‘His pure spiritual body was polluted by the stamp from the Greed of Devils’

    A sign tell us they don’t honor the freedom of religions

    Now, it’s the time

    The GOD shown us sign ‘The Greed of Devils corrupted politicians trying to bribe us with Devils of Greed persuade/turn us to support/partake Devils of Greed against our righteous GOD’

    Now, it’s the time

    The GOD shown us sign ‘The corrupted politicians threaten us GOD beloved children with Devils of FEAR, threaten us if they are not elected there would be no money for development from our rightful tax Money, threatened us with Devils of FEAR must vote for them the corruption devils’

    Now, it’s the time

    For justice and righteous, we must FREE ourselves, our family, our children, our friends from the corrupted politicians DEVILS of GREED

    For fairness and righteous, we must conquer our fear to fight the corrupted politicians DEVILS OF FEAR

    For freedom and righteous, we must standup fight and defence our land from the corrupted politicians DEVILS

    Now, it’s the time

    We must standup

    We must fight

    We must no fear

    We must….UBAH….UBAH….UBAH

    We must….VOTE FOR CHANGE….VOTE FOR CHANGE…VOTE FOR CHANGE

    For Justice and Righteous, for our children, for our family, for our friends, and for all Malaysians

    We must FREE ourselves, our family, our children, our friends from the corrupted politicians DEVILS of GREED

    Yes, we must…..UBAH….UBAH….UBAH

    We must VOTE FOR CHANGE…VOTE FOR CHANGE…..VOTE FOR CHANGE

    Now, it’s the time

  7. #7 by HJ Angus on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 3:55 pm

    While the PM and his Cabinet are busy campaigning in Sarawak the basic things of a good government are being http://malaysiawatch4.blogspot.com/2011/04/do-we-need-elections-before-this.htmlneglected.

  8. #8 by Ray on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 4:26 pm

    All Rkayats from Kuching Sibu Miri Limbang to Kelabit Highland>>THIS LAND IS YOURS FOREVER<>“Vote PR Into Putrajaya by Sarawak State Election….””
    To Majority of All Poor Sarawak People…Pls spread this good PR message and also be Responsible for yr dearest family9you need 3 meals a day to survive) , friends,colleagues and saudara2.
    Now Pakatan Rakyat would like to Ask you All this Question to check yr heart .
    “”Do you really reponsible for yr future survival in Malaysia for good and concern yr family generation livlihood of Fair Employment opportunity,Harmonious racial equality,and a Free democratic society ?? ..
    or You still want to live under UMNO BN Oppressive Aggressive and Represive Ruling fist of the Malay Keris???
    And BTW how much improvement in Ba kalalan, Niah Subuti,Miri- Pujut Piasau Senadin Lambir Sibu Kapit, Simanggang,Limbang ,Marudi ,Song and Kuching-Pending Batu Kawa Padungan,Batu Lintang if were to compare to Penang governed by PR -Pearl of the Orient today ??
    Whats Najib 1 Malaysia Slogan concept??
    We All Know >>Najib1 Malusia slogan indeed a Political Weapon for Umno Malay to remain in Power forever thus to fulfil their Aspiration of becoming RICH MILLIONAIRE with their MORONIC WAYs to rob smarter and silently from us Taxpayers>>By right all your income taxes money are meant for building more schools and universities instead for the Kelabit ,Chinese Iban ,Kayan Kenyah,Murut and Malay.. ..so that you all togehter future will have Brighter Tommorrow.
    Unfortunately All the Poor Sarawak People were cheated by PBB Corrupted Taib and SUPP George Chan( they build their Private Unviersities to collect more incomes for thier own benefits profiteering from >>High Tutorial Fee student paying for the complete semester…
    Wake up NOW Sarawak people>> >>Poor student No chance to go to University anymore if BN wins this state election.

  9. #9 by Bunch of Suckers on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 7:19 pm

    <>

    This fatty bo bo and fat hog tries to blame wives as they do to our Bolehland economy. Blaming, protecting and sucking… Take a closer look at http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_654381.html

  10. #10 by habis on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 8:52 pm

    All Sarawakians must lead the way for all Malaysians to Vote for Ubah so that our children and their generations will have a more properous and brighter
    future.Our country is truly blessed but corrupt politicians plundered the wealth of our motherland which should shared by all rakyat irrespective of colour,race or religion.

  11. #11 by monsterball on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 8:57 pm

    This is the first time I heard a PM ordering his entire cabinet to go to Sarawak to campaign for a State election.
    Soi Lek said MCA have no infuence as the party have no base in Sarawak..so he will shout support for SUPP …if that will help.
    Tsu Khoon and new MIC chief extremely quiet.
    Najib hast his sense of proportions….responsibilities towards the country and people.
    If his leadership and his government is so great and truthful…he need not go to this extreme to expose himself…being afraid..very afraid…putting an act always how great he is.
    Without Rosmah..his brain runs wild.

  12. #12 by monsterball on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 9:02 pm

    Come to Sarawak….White Hair more powerful than any PM.
    Such insults to UMNO B…yet not one PM dare to investigate his massive corrupted acts.
    Crooks really have very thick skin faces.

  13. #13 by monsterball on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 9:05 pm

    1-11 all comments approved.
    # 12…NOT APPROVED!!
    Guess whose? MINE la.

  14. #14 by Thor on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 9:31 pm

    You think these buggers are really spending out money on projects which they have promised.
    Tens or hundred of millions allocated here and there to pleased voters!
    Even if those projects did materialise, half of those money allocated will be directed into someone’s account.
    After deducting, the said project will then be given to cronies and cronies will then markup prices on materials or even supply inferior ones to be use as quality ones.
    So to voters, don’t ever trust BN!

  15. #15 by Thor on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 9:54 pm

    Projects can’t feed you and your family when you’ve got no money or food.
    If Najib wants your vote, ask him for the amount that can feed you and your family for period of five years.
    Don’t ever accept hundreds or thousands.
    Make it over hundred thousands for each votes.
    In such way, your future will be safe and Najib will be pokai before the next GE comes.

  16. #16 by jus legitimum on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 10:36 pm

    Malaysiakini website is still down.Is it a technical fault or a target of sabotage because of intensive reporting on Sarawak election?

  17. #17 by Dr. W on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 10:37 pm

    Let’s get them out. You do it first, we will do it soon in July. UBAH!!!!!!!!!

  18. #18 by Thor on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 10:58 pm

    #15 by jus legitimum on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 – 10:36 pm

    Malaysiakini website is still down.Is it a technical fault or a target of sabotage because of intensive reporting on Sarawak election?
    _________________________________________

    Malaysiakini’s website cannot be access is due to server’s congestion as reported earlier.

  19. #19 by limkamput on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 11:10 pm

    I think it is time for Malaysiakini to beef up. Every time when the traffic is a bit heavy, the site will be down. I think we should get refund for days we can not get access into the site. So much for transparency.

  20. #20 by Thor on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 11:31 pm

    Met quite a few Sarawakians working here in KL and was told that they’re not going back to vote due to cost of airfare.
    Anyway, I was told that they’ve already informed their family back home never to vote for BN.

  21. #21 by baochingtian on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 11:43 pm

    #19. Can these Sarawakians change their addresses in the ic so they can vote in KL?
    Watched astro 301@10:30pm news, KTK said it’s important for pek moh to stay in order to clear the land disputes cases. What has got into KTK’s psycho head, huh ?

  22. #22 by baochingtian on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 11:45 pm

    further clarify: Can these Sarawakians…. vote in KL come next GE in peninsular malaysia?

  23. #23 by Thor on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 11:47 pm

    #18 by limkamput on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 – 11:10 pm

    I think it is time for Malaysiakini to beef up. Every time when the traffic is a bit heavy, the site will be down. I think we should get refund for days we can not get access into the site. So much for transparency.
    ————————————–

    Can’t blame Malaysiakini this time because many people, like you and me, are eager to know the truth of what’s happening now in Sarawak.
    People who’re hoping to see the fall of BN.
    It’s just a sign of good omen so please bear on!

  24. #24 by Thor on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - 11:58 pm

    by baochingtian on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 – 11:45 pm

    further clarify: Can these Sarawakians…. vote in KL come next GE in peninsular malaysia?
    ___________________________________________

    Don’t asked me for I have’nt even tried voting before, when I was in Sarawak many years back.
    Need to ask the EC!

  25. #25 by Thor on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 - 12:17 am

    by baochingtian on Tuesday, 12 April 2011 – 11:43 pm

    #19.
    Watched astro 301@10:30pm news, KTK said it’s important for pek moh to stay in order to clear the land disputes cases. What has got into KTK’s psycho head, huh ?
    ___________________________________________

    Clear the land disputes cases???
    Hah! Har!!!
    Stoled all those land in the first place and now want to give back or what?
    KTK has been staying with nutjib for too long and since nutjib is a nut, then KTK already a bolt.
    That’s what I called, “Bolt and Nut!”.

  26. #26 by Thor on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 - 12:40 am

    Ever seen him tagging along Nutjib on TV, be it in Putrajaya or in press conference?
    Just look at his face and expression.
    Boy, Nutjib must be feeding him with ganja!
    Is he sleepy, half dead or what???

  27. #27 by tak tahan on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 - 1:03 am

    Ya…lah…or chiak or la..used to read that in detective and criminal storey books.They will die by their own hands(doing).Nature Cause and Effect.

  28. #28 by Jeffrey on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 - 6:03 am

    One of the big question marks in Sarawak state polls is how and the extent by which the bungled mismanagement of the Alkitab & use of word Allah issue would impair BN’s traditional electoral dominance there. [The State has biggest ratio of Christian to voters (1 million, 1 :2)]. MalaysianInsider reported of SMS partisan messages locked in tug a war. Not to be underestimated is the power of sms. Peoples power protests (facilitated by sms) helping protestors to group & regroup on streets have removed regimes from Manila to Bangkok to Cairo! BN is clearly worried about this religious issue. Pek Moh addressed Church representatives and ironically advised that religious leaders should “keep politics and religion separate”. This is ironical & double standards : since when has the ruling party/coalition taken position of keeping politics and religion separate? Or is to apply to East Malaysia only just like the unstamped Alkitab?

  29. #29 by waterfrontcoolie on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 - 6:24 am

    I used to wonder why the Super-Ego loved to mingle with those African leaders; only reason so that the world would compare him with their achievements. Can’t be bad? So that his version of piratization would look more palatable to the sleeping Malaysians then. When bail-outs were required only then we realized we were taken for a ride. And this has been continued since then; this is an opportunity for the people of Sarawak to make a stand for CHANGE.
    A Change which will affect not only you but the whole country! We can only pity those longhouse Ketuas who could only see their couple of hundreds of riggit in front of their noses! Forgetting the future of their children and grand childrens!

  30. #30 by HJ Angus on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 - 7:46 am

    yes I agree that M’kini should do something for subscribers who cannot access the site – maybe just extend the subscription by 1 or 2 days might be palatable.

  31. #31 by Bigjoe on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 - 8:10 am

    A suggestion to PR, perhaps what DAP need to do now is call out to the urban residents of Sarawak to help spread the message to the long houses and rural area – anyone going into the interior can collect material from them to spread the message, ask them to bring any rural residents particularly the chiefs to come to the urban ceramahs particularly the big ones on Thursday/Friday..

  32. #32 by Thor on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 - 9:19 am

    by Bigjoe on Wednesday, 13 April 2011 – 8:10 am

    A suggestion to PR, perhaps what DAP need to do now is call out to the urban residents of Sarawak to help spread the message to the long houses and rural area – anyone going into the interior can collect material from them to spread the message, ask them to bring any rural residents particularly the chiefs to come to the urban ceramahs particularly the big ones on Thursday/Friday..

    ___________________________________________

    Have’nt you read from malaysiakini few days ago that opposition parties are barred from entering long houses by village headman?
    These headman have been bought by Taik ( Taib) people decades ago and you don’t have to rely mostly on these longhouse folks for much votes.
    Better to rely on god to temporary “blind” them, when they’re doing the voting proccess instead!
    It was also reported by one DAP candidate that she was approached by one woman from one longhouse, which she managed to penetrate, who asked her for money.
    Most of these folks have already been “poisoned” or “drugged” by money and they don’t even know what is called “future”.
    Does this answer your question, Bigjoe!

  33. #33 by hallo on Thursday, 14 April 2011 - 2:52 pm

    The moments have come

    For those Justice, Righteous people out there in Sarawak

    We must believe Malaysia should be a land of JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUS, FREEDOM OF RELIGIONS

    For the first time the moment of glory CHANGE / UBAH have waited over 30 years, have come to the shore of SARAWAK, people of SARAWAK have a chance to make into MALAYSIA History to turn the VOTE into JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS, to stop the Injustice in our land from the corrupted politicians, continue to rob our native lands, continue to steal our tax money, continue to cheat us into believing their empty promises LIES

    We must stretch across all the corners from far to near, from sea to mountains VOICE OF JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS, your family, your friends, your brothers and sisters, from young to old

    To send a message across all the corners we are already to UBAH VOTE FOR CHANGE

    OUR LAND MALAYSIA will always be JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS, FREEDOM OF RELIGIONS

    It is the dream of all righteous Malaysians for so long over 50 years who have been cheated by so many corrupted politician liars

    On 16 April, we can achieve to put our hands on the MALAYSIA HISTORY and make a brighter future for all MALAYSIANS

    They have waited LONG TIME, on the 16 April because of your determined of JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS, what you did VOTE FOR CHANGE, the moment of CHANGE have come to Malaysia for a brighter future

    We have seen the CHANGE in our industrial states SELANGOR and PENANG, these two states are our most advance industrial states in Malaysia, the people out there are highly educated and high income, they were brave to elected the PAKATAN RAKYAT (opposition) to rendered their leaders courage, justice and selfless government administration

    We should thank to PAKATAN RAKYAT (opposition) leaders their brave, tireless, selfless to campaigned from their hearts, spoken to Sarawak people from urban to rural, for the love of JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS, for the crying voices of helpless poor natives in loss of their ancestor lands, we should grateful to them

    The Malaysia History of CHANGE would not be happen without the SARAWAK people love of JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS

    All Malaysians will never forget, the victory of CHANGE of Malaysia History will belong to SARAWAK people, UBAH VOTE FOR CHANGE

    And we Malaysians know you did it not just to win a state election, you did it because you want to bring JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS to all Malaysians

    You did it because you understand Malaysia is urgently need a justice, selfless and fairness government administrators

    There are people in rural lives without water and electricity without job, without income and wonder how they going to feed their children tomorrow and worst their ancestor land have robbed by corrupted politicians

    There are new jobs need to be created, there are new roads need to build, there are new schools need to build

    The job ahead will be long not within a year or a term, but the PAKATAN RAKYAT (opposition) promise to get you there

    They (PAKATAN RAKYAT) will be honest along the road ahead, and listen to you when you disagree.

    They (PAKATAN RAKYAT) will be fairness, justice and selfless to work with you, ask you to build with them the works of the state, roads by roads, bricks by bricks, hands by hands

    The UBAH/VOTE FOR CHANGE is the only chance to offer us to bring a HOPE of JUSTICE, SELFLESS government administrators to Malaysia

    It will NOT happen if we continue vote the corrupted politicians as the government administrators

    It will not happen without you, without your brave, without your courage, without your VOTE FOR CHANGE

    Let call up patriotism love of JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUS among the people near you and friends, from the sea to mountain, not for just to vote ourselves but VOTE for a BRIGHTER FUTURE for each other for a JUSTICE, SELFLESS governors

    Let’s us resist the temptation of the CORRUPTED POLITICIANS empty promises to fall back with their lies that has poisoned us for over 30 years

    Let’s the Malaysia History remember, it was the people of SARAWAK carried UBAH VOTE FOR CHANGE as the voice raised against the corrupted politicians, it will be the VOICE called out to free Malaysians from the corrupted politicians

    Make the world believe that Malaysia can UBAH/CHANGE, can be perfect.

    What we UBAH VOTE FOR CHANGE can give us HOPE of the BRIGHTER FUTURE for many generations to come in Sarawak and Malaysia.

    Let’s the 10th Sarawak election will be told for many generations to come that the people of SARAWAK cast their ballot in 16 April 2011 they stood up as one voice to make their voices in this election to be heard for one thing UBAH VOTE FOR CHANGE

    The voice of JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS was silence and dismissed by the corrupted politicians many years. We shall stand up let the voice to speak out and reach for the ballot.

    Yes, we can UBAH VOTE FOR CHANGE

    The world saw the people of SARAWAK conquer FEAR and TEMPTATION from corrupted poltician governors for a new bright future of UBAH VOTE FOR CHANGE for a JUSTICE, SELFLESS governors PAKATAN RAKYAT(opposition)

    On 16 April, when you are casting you vote, you know you can UBAH VOTE FOR CHANGE for a JUSTICE and RIGTHEOUS a BRIGHTER FUTURE for your children, your family, your friends and all the people in Malaysia,

    On 16 April, will be our chance to answer that call voice of JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS,

    It will be our moment to cast our vote to answer our dream of a land for Malaysia JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS, FREEDOM OF RELIGIONS, for a JUSTICE, SELFLESS government administrators.

    To free ourselves from the corrupted politicians, open the doors of JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS for our children, to reclaim our ancestor dream of PEACE, JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUS for SARAWAK and MALAYSIA.

    Yes. We can UBAH … VOTE FOR CHANGE

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    Hope this voice can reach from shore to mountain
    Feel free to spread this voice

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