Sarawak Elections 2011

I am taking some time off to pen some thoughts and observations on the current situation on the state elections. When the mind should be focussed on work that has to meet the dateline at the end of May, I can't help but to respond to the distractions around me. Get it out of the system and get it settled.

I seldom talk about the political condition of Sarawak. In that sense, Malaysia too. Lots of development have formed in the last decade on the political front of Malaysia. I am not too sure if I should proud of it, or if I should be ashamed of it. At times the issue played at hand are fiddle-faddle issues, not worth of consideration or even discussion in the august house.

The 10th state election is looming. Campaigns are running high now. Parties from both sides or in some constituencies, multiple parties are busy garnering support that will transform into votes come this Saturday. As of today, the postal votes are coming in.

The cyberspace too is at full steam covering the campaign progress. Young voters will naturally have to make the decision whether to believe or not the content of the web. Realistically, if you are on the ground and have been around in the constituency long enough, you will be able to gauge the truthfulness of the stories or spins the web has been churning out. No doubt, the web has its own power in wooing the support of netizens on the ground.

On TV , radio and the newspapers, huge portions of  segments are allocated to cover Sarawak, whether political or not. Sarawak is under the spotlight now. Again, promises are dangled up to the people, like the chicken carcass they put up on the line for the crocodiles to grab in Jong's crocodile farm. The exception is that, the carcass is tangible, while the rakyat needs to assess all the promises that has been done in the past 5 years.

An opinion from a friend, either sides, whoever takes on as state government, it will be the same, nepotism, cronyism and what nots. The main difference is, who can develop the state and stabilize all 27 races for a more united Sarawak  while doing all this subtly. The powers that will arrest the progression of the state from its current rate will be opted out.

This is the time to exercise our rights. When we have been expecting the elected leader to walk the talk, we too, have the power to walk our talk. If one has been away from the land of the hornbill, then this is the time to go back home to cast your votes. Yes, with our own money. No sponsorship what so ever as some would accuse you of. Remember, it is bribery and politics should be as clean as possible from this social malignant. Then again, people would quote, "politics are dirty". It is dirty when people want to dirty it. That is immensely discussed in other conjecture.

Already, 2 sms has filled in my inbox.

Salam Reformasi! Saya See Chee How, calon Keadilan Batu Lintang. Saya berjuang untuk kesaksamaan & keadilan. Mohon sokongan anda utk membawa perubahan. T Kasih.

30 Tahun dibawah Taib Mahmud, Sarawak telah menjadi negeri termiskin disebabkan oleh rasuah dan kronism. Berubahlah Sarawak! Tolak BN Drp See Chee How.

They obviously know how to get to voters through telcos. Lets decide this Saturday!