Elections 101: Sarawak State Elections, The Outcome

Personally, the final outcome of the Sarawak election was kind of disappointing though – it would have been nice if the opposition had denied the two-third majority and put the ruling Government under a microscope but still it was a good run for the oppositions.

The voters have decided and we need to respect that. BN retained their two-third control in the State Assembly once again – Taib Mahmud would feel relieved. BN won, no doubt with lesser seats – perhaps it was due to Najib’s assurances that the alleged native land-grabbing Taib Mahmud is definitely going away for good this time.

Bian Baru finally got his seat, an acknowledgement of his past work with the natives on human rights issues and native land issues. And it was well reported that the Chinese votes swing to the oppositions this time around. Taib Mahmud had promised to look into reasons for this – we will wait and see.

Whilst Najib get busy on understanding why BN won fewer seats this time around compared to the last State Elections (with reduction of the margin of a win as well and the Deputy Chief Minister even losing to a newcomer from DAP), Pakatan Rakyat should look into their success and how they can capitalize on this for the next election.

First, get organized – the bickering between the opposition political parties for the seats just before the elections was shameful and at one point almost set DAP going off on their own. No doubt, there are arguments for PKR to contest in more seats than DAP in Sarawak but the initial bickering in the open could have done some loss of confidence in the opposition front.

Secondly, show that Pakatan Rakyat means business in Sarawak – a stronger opposition presence in the State Assembly mean it will not be easy for the ruling Government to do what they been doing all this time without proper scrutiny and accountability.

With Taib Mahmud & his family firmly in control of the state, one can be assured that a stronger opposition will be enticed the much-needed check & balance on the Government and the alternative media like the Sarawak Reports will have plenty to report on for the next 5 years.

The road for a total change of Government in Sarawak maybe still long and far but if the opposition is able to maintain the momentum and check on corruption and abuse, the people of Sarawak would be the real winners in years to come.

For now, well done Pakatan!