Can former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad be proven right when he cryptically advised Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to “learn from history” in deciding when to step down, citing the case of “one MB who insisted he should continue, and lost the whole state”?
Mahathir was of course referring to the case of Tan Sri Wan Mokhtar Ahmad who was Mentri Besar of Terengganu for 25 years from 1974 to 1999 and was ignominiously evicted from office when Barisan Nasional suffered an electoral rout of 4 – 28 state assembly seats to PAS in the 1999 general elections.
Has Taib overstayed as Sarawak Chief Minister marking his 30th anniversary in office this year?
There can be no doubt that the question of getting Taib to step down as Chief Minister is the single most potent weapon and burning issue against the Barisan Nasional in the 10th Sarawak state general elections, uniting Sarawakians regardless of race or religion throughout the state not because of Taib’s age, the length of his tenure as Chief Minister but because of the lack of accountability, transparency and good governance under Taib’s Chief Ministership illustrated by the mountain of allegations on abuses of power and rampant corruption under his rule which he has not been able to rebut.
It is not that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak is not aware of Sarawak Barisan Nasional’s Achilees heel but even he is impotent as far as getting Taib to step down as Chief Minister.
All Najib’s attempts to tie Taib down to an early date to step down had been fobbed off and foiled by the Chief Minister and there is nothing the Prime Minister could do about it.
For instance, when Najib “closed down” Putrajaya for six days and led his entire Cabinet to Sarawak to campaign in the Sarawak state general elections on Sunday, his first message was to assure Sarawakians that a change in the state leadership was imminent.
But Taib refused to “play ball” and made it very clear in Najib’s presence the next day that he was not planning any “imminent” stepping down as Chief Minister, as his time frame is “in a few years’ time”.
“A few years’ time” is not one or two years but at least three years and could even be four or five years!
On Tuesday, Taib even said that he had identified his successor as Sarawak Chief Minister and that he had been grooming his successor for 20 years!
This must rank as the greatest political mystery of the century as no one knows that Taib had been grooming his successor for 20 years – not even Taib or the candidate himself!
Yesterday, Taib vacillated talking at first about “two, three years” and later “two years” as the timeframe of his stepping down after Saturday’s state general elections.
Clearly, it is still very elastic to Taib as to the timeframe of his stepping down as Sarawak Chief Minister and depending on the outcome of Saturday’s polls, it could still range from two, three to four and even five years!
Of course, there is no question of Taib’s remaining as Chief Minister if Mahathir’s warning come true on Saturday and Barisan Nasional loses power with Pakatan Rakyat winning over half of the 71 State Assembly seats.
There are those who believe that Barisan Nasional will be voted out of power in April 16 general elections.
I am more inclined to the second scenario of denying the Barisan Nasional two-thirds State Assembly majority – although the first scenario of Barisan Nasional losing power in Sarawak through the ballot box is no more an unthinkable and impossible objective.
To deny the Barisan Nasional two-thirds majority in the Sarawak State Assembly, Pakatan Rakyat must win at least 24 out of the total of 71 State Assembly seats in Sarawak.
From the ferment and effervescence in Sarawak, the air of freedom of liberation evident among the people during the campaign, it is clear that something is in the works on Saturday affecting the political future of Sarawak and Malaysia.
The goal of denying the Barisan Nasional two-thirds State Assembly majority is eminently achievable which would in fact be the worst defeat in the history of Barisan Nasional.
There is no way Taib could continue as Chief Minister if he loses two-thirds state assembly majority on Saturday as this would impact most adversely on Najib’s political future and in particular for the long-delayed 13th national elections.
Although the electoral prospects for the 15 seats contested by the DAP are ever optimistic and positive by the day, I want to warn and caution all the 15 DAP candidates and election workers that we cannot be assured of victory in anyone of the seats until the votes are counted on Saturday evening and the results announced.
In the one-and-a-half days to polling, Barisan Nasional will go all out to “steal” the 10th Sarawak state general elections with their department of “dirty tricks” working 24/7.
In Kuching, SUPP leaders have declared that they are confident of winning in all the four state seats contested by DAP – Padungan, Pending, Kota Sentosa and Batu Kawah.
We must not take SUPP and Barisan Nasional boasts lightly and I call on all the four DAP candidates in Kuching as well as all the 15 DAP candidates in Sarawak and all voters, supporters and well-wishers to adopt a common approach – that no victory in any constituency is assured until the votes are counted and victory declared, and till then, an all-out effort must be launched to get out every single available vote on Saturday to usher in political change in Sarawak and Malaysia.
Source: http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2011/04/14/will-mahathir-be-proven-right-that-taib-could-be-another-wan-mohtar-losing-power-in-sarawak-because-he-refuses-to-step-down-after-30-years-as-chief-minister/#more-11510
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Rocky's Bru: Lighting up Sarawak after the elections
There was no minister involved, which surprised the handful of business journalists covering the event. Given that these are the final few days before the hotlycontested Sarawak election, you'd think the office would have been swarmed by BN politicians.
In fact, you'd imagine that this MoU would have been signed in Kuching, Miri or Sibu where the contests are red hot between BN and the pretenders.
Instead, the signing ceremony was confined to just the signatories representing two companies and Unimas, which had just completed a pilot project to replace diesel-powered generators with made-in-Malaysia green batteries.
As I write this, and as far I know, the implications of this good news have yet to reach Sarawak.
For me, it speaks of one thing: the focus of campaigning in the Sarawak election has been hijacked and is being dictated by other priorities.
From the day Chief Minister Taib Mahmud announced the dissolution of the State Assembly to pave the way for this Saturday's polls, the main issue has revolved around his 30-year tenure as Sarawak's chief executive.
The Opposition's sole aim is to blame every pothole on the road on Taib.
His "ill-gotten" wealth became the focus of Radio Free Sarawak, which is openly backed by the Pakatan Rakyat, since last year.
Despite the State's compliance with international standards, the chief minister was accused of destroying forests and minting money for himself and his family from excessive logging and land grab.
None of these allegations have ever been substantiated but that's besides the point; Taib's enemies were out to discredit him, and were not ashamed to equate him with the likes of Gaddafi and Hosni Mubarak.
Never mind if Pakatan Rakyat's own leaders — Nik Aziz, Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh and even Anwar Ibrahim — have been around before Taib became chief minister.
Tit-for-tat, the government supporters built up BN's campaign around the goal of tarnishing the image of the enemy.
Pakatan Rakyat's de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has become an easy target after a sex video involving him or his look-a-like surfaced last month. If you read Utusan Malaysia this morning, news about Anwar Ibrahim easily fills up two broadsheet pages.
Those days when Anwar was the deputy prime minister, newspapers worshipped him. Now, the newspaper that Anwar once controlled as if it was his own has become his worst enemy.
Also for the first time in decades of our peaceful multi-religious coexistence as a nation, Christians have become a major election tool. A dangerous precedent has been set.
When PAS started cashing in on Islam for political mileage during the 70s, religion quickly became a divisive factor for the Malays.
A bit like a mini Shi'ite vs Sunni, minus the bloodshed, the Malay-Muslims started to pray with two imams in the same mosque.
The political game being played in Sarawak is potentially more dangerous, as the Church is being used by certain quarters not to divide the Christians but to create an affront with the Government and the Muslims.
It is a strategy being employed stealthily by certain quarters.
The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) was used blatantly in the run-up to the 2008 general election to produce tension with the Malay-Muslims.
Now Hindraf is making a comeback for the next polls despite being outlawed after the last general election, where it played a major role in helping BN lose five States.
If the authorities are not careful, we could witness the clash of religions in political rallies for PRU13!
After the polls this weekend, Prime Minister Najib Razak must make it his priority to resolve the issues facing the religions.
He must be fair and he must be tough to ensure that Malaysia remains moderate.
And Sarawak must go back to work immediately. There is more to this State than churches, mosques and temples.
Under the National Key Result Areas, for example, the government is committed to provide 24-hour electricity supply to more than 140,000 households by next year, and most of these are in Sarawak.
There's a lot of light at the end of this tunnel, yet.
AHIRUDIN ATTAN is group editorial advisor for The Malay Mail, Bernama TV and The Malaysian Reserve. He blogs at rockybru.com.my
Source: http://www.mmail.com.my/content/69462-rockys-bru-lighting-sarawak-after-elections
Election Guide to Sarawak
In the interests of providing our readers with background on the upcoming Sarawak elections, here is a brief guide to the participating political parties.
Sarawak Barisan Nasional
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP)
SUPP was established in 1959 by Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui and Tan Sri Stephen Yong. The party was one of the key movers in the formation of Barisan Nasional in 1974. In the 2006 state election, SUPP won 12 state seats as part of BN.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB)
PBB was registered in 1973 with the merger of Parti Pesaka, Malay-based Barisan Ra’ayat Jati Sarawak (Berjasa) and Parti Negara Sarawak (Panas). It is the largest component of Barisan Nasional. In the 2006 state election, it contested 35 seats and won all.
Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP)
SPDP was formed by former leaders of Sarawak National Party (SNAP) when it was de-registered on November 5, 2002. SPDP was registered on November 8, 2002. In January of the next year, it was accepted as a component of BN. In the 2006 state election, it won eight seats.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS)
PRS is an offshoot of the de-registered Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak. It joined BN in June 2005. In the 2006 state elections, it won eight seats.
Opposition Parties
Sarawak National Party (SNAP)
SNAP is an Iban-based party with some Chinese support. The party was formed in 1961 by the late Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan (Sarawak’s first chief minister). It was part of the coalition government ruling Sarawak when the state joined Malaysia. In 1966, SNAP became an opposition party. It rejoined BN in 1976. In the 2006 state election, it did not win any seats.
Democratic Action Party (DAP)
Sarawak DAP is the state level party of the peninsula-based party, which is primarily supported by Malaysian Chinese. In the 2006 state election, it won six seats.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)
Sarawak PKR is the state-level party of the peninsula-based party. In the 2006 state election, it won one seat, with the election of Dominique Ng. But surprisingly, Ng has not been chosen to defend his seat in the 2011 elections.
Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM)
PCM was formed in 2009. Its members include former Gerakan vice president and member of parliament Huan Cheng Guan and Gabriel Adit Demong.
State Reform Party (Star)
Star was established in 1996 by Dr Patau Rubis after his sacking from the Sarawak cabinet in October 1995. It did not contest in the 2006 state election.
Source: http://www.sarawakreports.org/2011/04/04/election-guide-to-sarawak/
Sarawak Barisan Nasional
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP)SUPP was established in 1959 by Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui and Tan Sri Stephen Yong. The party was one of the key movers in the formation of Barisan Nasional in 1974. In the 2006 state election, SUPP won 12 state seats as part of BN.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB)PBB was registered in 1973 with the merger of Parti Pesaka, Malay-based Barisan Ra’ayat Jati Sarawak (Berjasa) and Parti Negara Sarawak (Panas). It is the largest component of Barisan Nasional. In the 2006 state election, it contested 35 seats and won all.
Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP)
SPDP was formed by former leaders of Sarawak National Party (SNAP) when it was de-registered on November 5, 2002. SPDP was registered on November 8, 2002. In January of the next year, it was accepted as a component of BN. In the 2006 state election, it won eight seats.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS)PRS is an offshoot of the de-registered Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak. It joined BN in June 2005. In the 2006 state elections, it won eight seats.
Opposition Parties
Sarawak National Party (SNAP)SNAP is an Iban-based party with some Chinese support. The party was formed in 1961 by the late Datuk Stephen Kalong Ningkan (Sarawak’s first chief minister). It was part of the coalition government ruling Sarawak when the state joined Malaysia. In 1966, SNAP became an opposition party. It rejoined BN in 1976. In the 2006 state election, it did not win any seats.
Democratic Action Party (DAP)Sarawak DAP is the state level party of the peninsula-based party, which is primarily supported by Malaysian Chinese. In the 2006 state election, it won six seats.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)Sarawak PKR is the state-level party of the peninsula-based party. In the 2006 state election, it won one seat, with the election of Dominique Ng. But surprisingly, Ng has not been chosen to defend his seat in the 2011 elections.
Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM)PCM was formed in 2009. Its members include former Gerakan vice president and member of parliament Huan Cheng Guan and Gabriel Adit Demong.
State Reform Party (Star)Star was established in 1996 by Dr Patau Rubis after his sacking from the Sarawak cabinet in October 1995. It did not contest in the 2006 state election.
Source: http://www.sarawakreports.org/2011/04/04/election-guide-to-sarawak/
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Sarawak Election results updates
BN retains two-thirds, SUPP boss defeated
10.35pm: Kuching Abdul Taib Mahmud sworn in as chief minister of Sarawak to serve his seventh term at the Astana, the official residence of the Yang Di Pertua Negeri Sarawak Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng. 10.30pm: Sibu About 200 DAP supporters are still gathered in front of the party operations centre in Bukit Assek, transfixed to screens showing the official results of the Sarawak polls.
Like football fans, they cheer every time the results favoured Pakatan Rakyat.
The party is also rousing the crowd and keeping them entertained, playing the Sarawak anthem "Ibu Pertiwiku" sporadically.
The party leaders and candidates have yet to arrive though.
Like football fans, they cheer every time the results favoured Pakatan Rakyat.
The party is also rousing the crowd and keeping them entertained, playing the Sarawak anthem "Ibu Pertiwiku" sporadically.
The party leaders and candidates have yet to arrive though.
10.19pm: Miri Selangor exco Elizabeth Wong tweets that a crowd has gathered outside Miri Indoor Stadium and is booing the SUPP Senadin candidate and shouting “penipu” (cheat). The police orders the large crowd to disperse as they have no permit to gather there.
They crowds are demanding a recount for Senadin, where PKR has lost by 58 votes.
10.17pm: On the spot analysis DAP has hit BN Sarawak the hardest, doubling its seats in this election, and indicates Sarawak politics will get hotter from here on.PKR has also gained two extra seats, notably Krian clinching a surprise win.
Krian winner Ali Biju, 43 and single, is a self-made businessman in the oil and gas industry based in Bintulu.
PKR attributes Biju's win to several factors:
He's a young, popular local boy and businessman who has never been a politician. He is good looking and everyone knows him. When he arrived in his four-wheel drive to announce his candidacy the locals cheered him.
- Despite not knowing that he would run for the seat, he has been doing groundwork for PKR in Krian for the past year.
- Krian is also a semi-urban area, where the internet connection is good and the people keep up to date with the latest news, so they have “felt the waves of the tsunami” says PKR.
10pm: On the spot analysis In Belaga, home of the controversial Bakun dam, BN sees a massive jump in votes.
In 2006, voter turnout was 4,469, with BN winning by a 227 majority.
With the present turnout 5,913, BN's majority has bloated to a massive 2,928.
This is a stark contrast to the other seats where there appears to be a trend of small reductions in BN's winning majority.
In particular, some of the Dayak seats observed has seen BN's majority shrinking below 1,000.
In 2006, voter turnout was 4,469, with BN winning by a 227 majority.
With the present turnout 5,913, BN's majority has bloated to a massive 2,928.
This is a stark contrast to the other seats where there appears to be a trend of small reductions in BN's winning majority.
In particular, some of the Dayak seats observed has seen BN's majority shrinking below 1,000.
10pm Miri: The slim majority for Senadin has caused a fierce argument between PKR members and the returning officer, and the party is unhappy with the officer's refusal to do a recount.
Earlier as the returning officer prepares to go on stage to announce BN's Lee Kim Shing as the winner, PKR vice-president Tian Chua demands a recount to be done.
The officer however refuses the repeated requests and turns to the stage for his announcement.
This angers the PKR members, who move forward to protest.
"We want a recount," shouts Chua.
Earlier as the returning officer prepares to go on stage to announce BN's Lee Kim Shing as the winner, PKR vice-president Tian Chua demands a recount to be done.The officer however refuses the repeated requests and turns to the stage for his announcement.
This angers the PKR members, who move forward to protest.
"We want a recount," shouts Chua.
9.40pm: Sibu The retallying of total votes for the Dudong seat is completed and DAP candidate Yap Hoi Liong is officially the winner with a 317 vote majority.
Yap's family congratulates him.
The voter turnout for Dudong is 74.17 percent.
Yap's family congratulates him.
The voter turnout for Dudong is 74.17 percent.
9.20pm: Senadin Although the full result for Senadin has been keyed into the system and BN has won by a 58 vote majority according to the screen, the returning officer has not announced the official results for the seat yet.
As the winning margin is under 2 percent PKR vice president Tian Chua, who is at the tally centre, says he will ask for a recount despite the law having been amended to limit recounts to the stream level.
He raised a few contentious issues, particularly that one of the streams has as much as 85 spoilt votes; extraordinary high compared to the total spoilt votes of 183.
He adds that the postal votes is the main reason for their defeat, with BN getting 1,134 to PKR's 58 postal votes.
As the winning margin is under 2 percent PKR vice president Tian Chua, who is at the tally centre, says he will ask for a recount despite the law having been amended to limit recounts to the stream level.He raised a few contentious issues, particularly that one of the streams has as much as 85 spoilt votes; extraordinary high compared to the total spoilt votes of 183.
He adds that the postal votes is the main reason for their defeat, with BN getting 1,134 to PKR's 58 postal votes.
8.58pm: Senadin PKR has lost by 58 votes, and say the main reason is the 1,090 postal votes that has gone to BN.
8.54pm: Expected final tally of seats:
BN: 55
DAP: 12
PKR: 3
Independent: 1
DAP: 12
PKR: 3
Independent: 1
8.45pm: Sibu Bawang Assan candidate and newly-minted assemblyperson Wong Soon Koh from SUPP is booed as he emerges from the tallying centre, after being pronounced as the winner.
The party secretary-general is faced with about 1,500 angry DAP supporters who shout at him to "step down", amidst allegations of vote-buying by his DAP contender Alice Lau.
He, along with his entourage of 20 SUPP members is forced to flee the tallying centre in Dewan Suarah Sibu with four police cars escorting them.
The DAP supporters disperse shortly after.
The party secretary-general is faced with about 1,500 angry DAP supporters who shout at him to "step down", amidst allegations of vote-buying by his DAP contender Alice Lau.
He, along with his entourage of 20 SUPP members is forced to flee the tallying centre in Dewan Suarah Sibu with four police cars escorting them.
The DAP supporters disperse shortly after.
8.23pm: Both DAP and PKR win all five seats in Kuching.
On the spot analysis SUPP completely rejected in Kuching. Batu Kawah won with help of bumiputera voters, which shows DAP can
win some support beyond Chinese voters.
win some support beyond Chinese voters.
8.17 pm: PKR's Michael Teo Yu Meng has lost Senadin by 61 votes, due to the 1,000 postal votes that has gone to BN.
He went up against SUPP's Lee Kim Shin and PKR's Michael Teo Yu Keng. It's a mix-Chinese-Malay/Melanau-Iban seat.
8.17 pm: Dudong DAP Dudong candidate Yap Hoi Liong and Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong arrive at SJK Thai Kwang, where 150 supporters have gathered at the school.Liew Chin Tong pacifies the anxious crowd, said that power supply had resumed, and BN-SUPP candidate Tiong Thai King has conceded defeat.
“It shouldn't be any problem,” Liew tells the worried crowd.The crowd cheers at the unofficial victory of Yap, and shouts the DAP and rocket slogans.
The sudden huge crowd alarms the police, and 30 personnel and 10 light strike force members appear at the polling centre's main entrance.
Yap also arranges for his family members and some supporters to go into the polling centre to make sure everything is okay.
SJK Thai Kwang serves as the polling centre for the Dudong constituency.
8.12pm: On the spot analysis The most Pakatan Rakyat can win at this point is 18 seats (DAP 12, PKR 6). But at this point, it's more likely to be 15 seats (DAP 12, PKR 3).
8.04pm: DAP is expected to win all four Chinese-majority seats it contested in Kuching:
Padungan: DAP (11,956), BN (4,076), majority 7,880
Pending: DAP (13,557), BN (6,469), majority 7,088
Kota Sentosa: DAP (12,594), BN (7,770), majority 4,824
Batu Kawah: DAP (6,568), BN (5,744), majority 824
Padungan: DAP (11,956), BN (4,076), majority 7,880
Pending: DAP (13,557), BN (6,469), majority 7,088
Kota Sentosa: DAP (12,594), BN (7,770), majority 4,824
Batu Kawah: DAP (6,568), BN (5,744), majority 824
8pm: In Miri George Chan (right) concedes defeat. “I respect the decision by the people, this is part of democracy,” he says at the tally centre.When asked if the anti-Taib sentiment is the main factor for his loss, he says, "I don't want to comment."
7.56pm: Dudong Through loudspeakers, Dudong DAP workers urge the people to head to the counting centre in the Dudong area. As electricity has been cut off, they urge the public to go there to protect the the ballot boxes.
The announcement stirs the mood of the crowd.
The announcement stirs the mood of the crowd.
A local reporter said that the incident took place at 7.45pm, but power came back 10 minutes later.
DAP supporters still rush there in 20 cars to protect the ballots.
The incident happened amidst the anxiety of the crowd who place their hopes for DAP to win the seat.
DAP supporters still rush there in 20 cars to protect the ballots.
The incident happened amidst the anxiety of the crowd who place their hopes for DAP to win the seat.
7.55pm: Sibu DAP candidate for Bawang Assan Alice Lau (right in picture) concedes defeat at the DAP operations centre.Wiping away the tears that are streaming her cheeks with a purple handkerchief, she cries even more as the crowd cheers her for putting in a good effort.
“I am happy for my party but I am upset because of the dirty tactics.
“I believe that the voters can see my hard work.
“I lost not to Wong Soon Koh (SUPP candidate and party secretary-general), but I lost to money politics,” she tells Malaysiakini.
7.47pm: In Belaga PKR's efforts are not enough to clinch a win despite burgeoning local issues such as the Bakun dam.
PRS: 3,974
PKR: 1,046
SNAP: 368
Ind: 27
Ind: 94
Ind: 330
Spoilt: 74
Majority: 2,928
PKR: 1,046
SNAP: 368
Ind: 27
Ind: 94
Ind: 330
Spoilt: 74
Majority: 2,928
7.35pm: Another SUPP strongman Tiong Thai King, younger brother of timber tycoon Hiew King, has lost in Dudong to DAP's Yap Hoi Liong by 1,059 votes.
He concedes defeat when met at the SUPP headquarters in Sibu.
"Lost already. Don't want to say anything," he says.
"Lost already. Don't want to say anything," he says.
Results:
DAP: 9,617
BN: 8,558.
Majority: 1,059 votes
BN: 8,558.
Majority: 1,059 votes
7.30pm: On the spot analysis - Pakatan has failed to deny BN two-thirds majority.
As expected there is substantial swing to the opposition among the Chinese. But the small swing among the Iban majority is not significant enough for PKR to pick up some of the rural seats it contested.
7.30pm: Sibu The crowd at the DAP operations centre has now increased to 500. The people are now paying attention to the Dudong seat result.DAP is putting its hope on a win in Dudong, to increase one more seat for DAP to make its tally 12 seats.
The screen shows DAP Dudong candidate Yap Hoi Liong is leading with a majority of 268.
7.29pm: In Piasau the EC's unofficial tally is as follows, with several streams to go:
DAP Ling Sie Kiong: 5,206
SUPP George Chan: 3,629
Majority: 1,577
Spoiled: 63
DAP Ling Sie Kiong: 5,206
SUPP George Chan: 3,629
Majority: 1,577
Spoiled: 63
7.20pm: DAP leading strongly in three of the four Chinese-majority seats in Kuching:
Padungan: DAP (9,193), BN (2,603), majority 6,590
Pending: DAP (8,232), BN (3,479), majority 4,753
Kota Sentosa: DAP (8,656), BN (5,839), majority 2,817
Batu Kawah: DAP (832), BN (1,398), majority 566
Padungan: DAP (9,193), BN (2,603), majority 6,590
Pending: DAP (8,232), BN (3,479), majority 4,753
Kota Sentosa: DAP (8,656), BN (5,839), majority 2,817
Batu Kawah: DAP (832), BN (1,398), majority 566
7.15pm: Sibu Dudong candidate for SUPP and party vice-chairperson Tiong Thai King has conceded defeat.
“Lost already. Don't want to say anything already,” he says when met at the SUPP HQ here.
When asked if he would ask for a recount, he says: “No, lah.”
“Lost already. Don't want to say anything already,” he says when met at the SUPP HQ here.
When asked if he would ask for a recount, he says: “No, lah.”
7.12pm: In Sibu SUPP HQ it is reported that party workers are whispering that Dudong candidate and party strongman Tiong Thai King has lost by about 200 votes.
7.08pm: Piasau DAP's Ling Sie Kiong (left) has being the giant killer in this state election. It is confirmed that he has defeated SUPP boss Dr George Chan - the fourth party leader to suffer a loss after the defeat of the MIC, Gerakan and PPP party chiefs.Piasau
Ling Sie Kiong (DAP): 5,770
Dr George Chan (SUPP): 4,162
Majority: 1,608
Two ballot boxes yet to be opened, but it is almost certain that Chan will not be able to reverse the outcome.
Ling Sie Kiong (DAP): 5,770
Dr George Chan (SUPP): 4,162
Majority: 1,608
Two ballot boxes yet to be opened, but it is almost certain that Chan will not be able to reverse the outcome.
Other DAP results:
7pm: Batu Kawah Controversy erupts in Batu Kawah at two polling centres where DAP has won, with the Borang 14 refused to party scrutineers while the ballot boxes have been removed from the counting centre.
"We are contacting the returning officer, and the candidate is lodging a police report," says Sarawak DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen.
About a hundred party supporters are gathered at the Kuching DAP headquarters where live results are being projected on screens on the street.
7.07pm: Unofficial results have Pelagus Independent George Lagong winning the interior seat, beating PRS' Stanley Nyitar and PKR's Edward Sumbang.
"We are contacting the returning officer, and the candidate is lodging a police report," says Sarawak DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen.
About a hundred party supporters are gathered at the Kuching DAP headquarters where live results are being projected on screens on the street.
7.07pm: Unofficial results have Pelagus Independent George Lagong winning the interior seat, beating PRS' Stanley Nyitar and PKR's Edward Sumbang.
7.03pm: In Engkilili BN retains the Iban-majority seat with the unofficially results although a few streams have not been opened.
BN: 4,081
PKR: 987
Snap: 157
Ind: 319
6.55pm: In Iban-majority Batang Ai PKR has lost to PRS' Malcom Mussen Lamoh with a bigger majority compared to the last state polls, according to a PKR source. The final majority may exceed 2,000.
PKR candidate Nicholas Bawin is a heavyweight in the state leadership and the state election director.
BN: 4,081
PKR: 987
Snap: 157
Ind: 319
6.55pm: In Iban-majority Batang Ai PKR has lost to PRS' Malcom Mussen Lamoh with a bigger majority compared to the last state polls, according to a PKR source. The final majority may exceed 2,000.
PKR candidate Nicholas Bawin is a heavyweight in the state leadership and the state election director.
6.54pm: According to sources, BN is confident of winning 52 seats, five seats more than two-thirds majority. This leaves Pakatan Rakyat with 19 seats.
This is a projection based on current vote tally.
6.51pm: Kuching People are slowly turning up at the chief minister's official residence to await the results.
At the PKR headquarters, a tent and big screen is being set up.
At the PKR headquarters, a tent and big screen is being set up.
6.50pm: Miri with DAP leading in both Piasau and Pujut, the party operations room is now full of celebration.
Anthony Loke has also tweeted that DAP is now leading by 1,277 votes in Piasau with seven streams to go.
"Major upset is on the way!" he says.
Anthony Loke has also tweeted that DAP is now leading by 1,277 votes in Piasau with seven streams to go.
"Major upset is on the way!" he says.
6.53pm: PKR has claimed victory in Batu Lintang, a Chinese-majority seat in Kuching. Lawyer See Chee How (right) wins the seat with a 2,426 majority. 6.44pm: DAP's Ling Sie Kiong could be the giant killer in this state election. After about half of the votes have been counted, he is leading SUPP boss Dr George Chan by a sizeable margin.
DAP Ling Sie Kiong: 4,384
SUPP George Chan: 2,873
Majority: 1,511
DAP Ling Sie Kiong: 4,384
SUPP George Chan: 2,873
Majority: 1,511
6.30pm: Of the 15 seats contested by DAP, it is set to win 10, with three still up for grabs. It is defeated in two (Bawang Assan and Bukit Kota)
DAP is leading in Piasau, which is held by SUPP chief Dr George Chan.
DAP: 4,486
SUPP: 3,209
Majority: 1,277
DAP is leading in Piasau, which is held by SUPP chief Dr George Chan.
DAP: 4,486
SUPP: 3,209
Majority: 1,277
Other DAP results as follows:
Kota Sentosa
SUPP: 3,408
DAP: 1,497
Majority 1,921
Postal votes has contributed to SUPP win.
Pending
DAP: 558
SUPP: 348
Majority: 210
Padungan
DAP: 2,001
SUPP: 695
Majority: 1,306
SUPP: 3,408
DAP: 1,497
Majority 1,921
Postal votes has contributed to SUPP win.
Pending
DAP: 558
SUPP: 348
Majority: 210
Padungan
DAP: 2,001
SUPP: 695
Majority: 1,306
6.30pm: Sibu DAP prepares two giant screens for the public to know the unofficial results of 15 seats contested by DAP.
A crowd of over 200 DAP supporters are gathering to watch the results.
The crowd passionately cheer and clap hand every time the results show a leap for DAP candidates.
The screen shows DAP is leading in 10 seats, while losing in four seats.
So far ,only the results for Simanggang has yet to appear.
DAP Bukit Assek candidate Wong Ho Leng is leading by a majority of 5,752 votes , where Wong has obtained 8,649, while BN-SUPP candidate Chieng Buong Toon only has 2,897 votes.
Wong won Bukit Assek with 5,629 votes back in the 2006 state election.
A crowd of over 200 DAP supporters are gathering to watch the results.
The crowd passionately cheer and clap hand every time the results show a leap for DAP candidates.
The screen shows DAP is leading in 10 seats, while losing in four seats.
So far ,only the results for Simanggang has yet to appear.
DAP Bukit Assek candidate Wong Ho Leng is leading by a majority of 5,752 votes , where Wong has obtained 8,649, while BN-SUPP candidate Chieng Buong Toon only has 2,897 votes.
Wong won Bukit Assek with 5,629 votes back in the 2006 state election.
6.22pm: Sibu SUPP candidate for Bawang Assan and deputy minister Wong Soon Koh has unofficially retained his seat with a 1,810-majority, without counting the postal ballots yet.
When met at the SUPP HQ in Sibu, he says he owes his win to his 28-member bumiputera committee.
"They're the ones who really went all out," he said.
His majority, unofficially, has actually more than doubled since the last parliamentary by-election when BN won with a majority of 805 votes.
"It increased because I went to the ground. In fact since the defeat of the last by-election, I was on the ground all the while and I visited longhouses repeatedly," he said.
When asked about DAP's campaigning among the Chinese voters, he says, "My conscience is clear. No matter how they smear my name with baseless accusations, slander and mischievous allegations, my conscience is clear. It's service above self."
When met at the SUPP HQ in Sibu, he says he owes his win to his 28-member bumiputera committee.
"They're the ones who really went all out," he said.
His majority, unofficially, has actually more than doubled since the last parliamentary by-election when BN won with a majority of 805 votes.
"It increased because I went to the ground. In fact since the defeat of the last by-election, I was on the ground all the while and I visited longhouses repeatedly," he said.
When asked about DAP's campaigning among the Chinese voters, he says, "My conscience is clear. No matter how they smear my name with baseless accusations, slander and mischievous allegations, my conscience is clear. It's service above self."
6.20pm: Sibu DAP Sarawak chief and Bukit Assek candidate Wong Ho Leng tells Malaysiakini that looking at the unofficial results, DAP might have lost four seats out of 15 seats contested: Simanggang, Dudong, Bawang Assan and Bukit Kota.
He is spotted watching the unofficial result on a giant screen at the Sibu DAP operations centre .
He is spotted watching the unofficial result on a giant screen at the Sibu DAP operations centre .
6.17pm: SUPP has retained Bawang Assan with a 1,850-vote majority. The seat is held by Sibu party boss Wong Soon Koh, who ran against Alice Lau. There are still four ballot boxes yet to be opened.
6.13pm: Unofficial: PAS has lost all five seats which it has contested - Tanjung Datu, Muara Tuang, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau and Beting Maro.
Beting Maro PAS candidate Abang Ahmad Kerdee Ahmad Masagus admits defeat saying, “Although we've lost, the Chinese and Iban communities have given us their full support this time around.”
“Only in Beladin we lost over a thousand votes. I am acceptable to this defeat,” he says.
When asked if he was satisfied, he says, “Maybe our strategy is lacking, or we have overlooked certain areas. I think this is fated.
“I will continue to serve the residents of Beting Maro as usual,” he says.
He denies when asked, that they were over-confident, saying they lost out to BN's last minute strategy of giving out goodies.
“Two days before the polls, BN gave out bicycles and rice. They also promised to move the land office to Beladin,” he says.
“Only in Beladin we lost over a thousand votes. I am acceptable to this defeat,” he says.
When asked if he was satisfied, he says, “Maybe our strategy is lacking, or we have overlooked certain areas. I think this is fated.
“I will continue to serve the residents of Beting Maro as usual,” he says.
He denies when asked, that they were over-confident, saying they lost out to BN's last minute strategy of giving out goodies.
“Two days before the polls, BN gave out bicycles and rice. They also promised to move the land office to Beladin,” he says.
6.05pm: Sibu The mood at the SUPP HQ in Sibu turns celebratory after a nail-biting wait for the Bawang Assan unofficial results.
Everyone starts clapping when it was announced that they have retained Bawang Assan with a majority of about 1,850 votes, with only four ballot boxes unopened.
Everyone starts clapping when it was announced that they have retained Bawang Assan with a majority of about 1,850 votes, with only four ballot boxes unopened.
6.04pm: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng says DAP appears to have retained Chinese-majority Meradong and on course to wrest Chinese-majority Repok from SUPP (both in Sarikei), but has lost in Bukit Kota, a racially-mixed seat in Limbang which is contested by DAP for the first time.
5.54pm: In Piasau SUPP's George Chan trails with 428 to DAP Ling Sie Kiong's 680. In Kidurong SUPP's Henry Ling Koung Meng leads with 824 to DAP Chiew Chiu Sing's 530.
5.46pm: According to sources, BN has retained Balingian, Beting Maro, Belaga, Saribas, while it is leading in Ngemah, Jepak, Katibas, and Bawang Assan.
5.44pm: DAP's unofficial results show them trailing in Bawang Assan and Dudong, and leading in Bukit Assek (candidate Wong Ho Leng) and Meradong.
Bawang Assan
SUPP Wong Soon Koh: 2,723
DAP Alice Lau: 1,161
Majority: 1,562
Dudong
SUPP Tiong Thai King: 2,862
DAP Yap Hoi Liang: 2,082
Majority: 780
Bukit Assek
DAP Wong Ho Leng: 301
SUPP Chieng Boon Tuong: 265
Majority: 36
Meradong
DAP Ting Tze Fui: 1,969
SUPP Ling Kie King: 1,170
Majority: 799
Bawang Assan
SUPP Wong Soon Koh: 2,723
DAP Alice Lau: 1,161
Majority: 1,562
Dudong
SUPP Tiong Thai King: 2,862
DAP Yap Hoi Liang: 2,082
Majority: 780
Bukit Assek
DAP Wong Ho Leng: 301
SUPP Chieng Boon Tuong: 265
Majority: 36
Meradong
DAP Ting Tze Fui: 1,969
SUPP Ling Kie King: 1,170
Majority: 799
5.32pm: Campaign manager Paul Bian confirms that his lawyer brother Baru Bian has won the Ba'Kelalan in his second attempt for this remote constituency which borders Indonesia's Kalimantan.
Unofficial tally so far shows that the Sarawak PKR leader is leading with slightly over 540 votes and he is still waiting for the last polling district - which has only some 100 votes - to be counted.
Unofficial tally so far shows that the Sarawak PKR leader is leading with slightly over 540 votes and he is still waiting for the last polling district - which has only some 100 votes - to be counted.
5.27pm: Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud is leading in his home turf of Balingian. With five polling stations counted, he has a majority of 641 votes.
He is challenged by his cousin, former deputy minister Salleh Jafaruddin, who is running as an independent, and businesswoman Suriati Abdullah from PKR.
He is challenged by his cousin, former deputy minister Salleh Jafaruddin, who is running as an independent, and businesswoman Suriati Abdullah from PKR.
5.20pm: Unofficial PAS results for seats they are contesting as follows:
Sebuyau
BN: 1,928
PAS: 719
Ind: 44
Tanjong Datu
BN: 954
PAS: 223
Ind: 50
Sadong Jaya
BN: 2,516
PAS: 681
Ind: 327
Muara Tuang
BN: 1,580
PAS: 575
Beting Maro
BN: 2,804
PAS: 2,231
Sebuyau
BN: 1,928
PAS: 719
Ind: 44
Tanjong Datu
BN: 954
PAS: 223
Ind: 50
Sadong Jaya
BN: 2,516
PAS: 681
Ind: 327
Muara Tuang
BN: 1,580
PAS: 575
Beting Maro
BN: 2,804
PAS: 2,231
5.05pm: Beting Maro The atmosphere at the PAS operations room at Kg Kalok near Pusa is like fans watching a football match. About 30 supporters cheer and shout 'God is Great' each time a new result favouring them is announced.
PAS was heavily trounced in the Beladin voting stream but it still has hopes for a miracle in the Undai and Pusa streams.
PAS was heavily trounced in the Beladin voting stream but it still has hopes for a miracle in the Undai and Pusa streams.
5pm: Polling closes in all areas and counting begins.
According to Bernama, all 1,748 polling centres are closed, with counting in interior constituencies with a small number of voters starting as early as 12.30pm.
The least number of voters was recorded at the Rumah TK Pa'Berang polling centre in the Ba'Kelalan constituency with only 20 people casting their ballot.
The tallying centre for Ba'Kelalan is at the Lawas district council.
The first result of the election is expected to be announced at about 8pm.
The least number of voters was recorded at the Rumah TK Pa'Berang polling centre in the Ba'Kelalan constituency with only 20 people casting their ballot.
The tallying centre for Ba'Kelalan is at the Lawas district council.
The first result of the election is expected to be announced at about 8pm.
4.50pm: PKR candidate Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh concedes defeat in Saribas.
"As a politician, we will continue to be in politics. This defeat will not dampen my spirit to continue the struggle," he tells Malaysiakini at the PKR operations centre in Debak when the unofficial results obtained by the party shows BN is leading with well over 1,200 majority.
This is his third try in the electoral campaign and second attempt in Saribas. He was defeated in the last state polls by a tissue-thin 94-vote majority, but this time he lost by a massive margin.
"The main factor is money, and the secondary factor is (BN fielding a) new candidate," he says, referring to BN's debutante Muhammad Razi Sitam, who replaced unpopular incumbent Wahbi Junaidi.
"Last night, many voters called me to ask for money but we don't practice vote-buying. Although we have lost, we lost with dignity whereas BN's victory is not a genuine victory," he says.
PKR loses in most of the polling districts, including Kampung Tuie, that has still yet to get clean water supply.
"As a politician, we will continue to be in politics. This defeat will not dampen my spirit to continue the struggle," he tells Malaysiakini at the PKR operations centre in Debak when the unofficial results obtained by the party shows BN is leading with well over 1,200 majority.
This is his third try in the electoral campaign and second attempt in Saribas. He was defeated in the last state polls by a tissue-thin 94-vote majority, but this time he lost by a massive margin.
"The main factor is money, and the secondary factor is (BN fielding a) new candidate," he says, referring to BN's debutante Muhammad Razi Sitam, who replaced unpopular incumbent Wahbi Junaidi.
"Last night, many voters called me to ask for money but we don't practice vote-buying. Although we have lost, we lost with dignity whereas BN's victory is not a genuine victory," he says.
PKR loses in most of the polling districts, including Kampung Tuie, that has still yet to get clean water supply.
5.02pm: According to a DAP source, unofficial interim results as follows:
Meradong: 12 streams counted, DAP leads by 800
Bukit Assek: 3 streams counted, DAP leads by 26 votes.
Bawang Assan: 12 streams counted, DAP trailing 1,200 votes
Dudong: 13 streams counted, trailing 650 votes
Pelawan (no streams counted yet)
For Bawang Assan and Dudong, the streams for Chinese areas are have not been counted yet.
Meradong: 12 streams counted, DAP leads by 800
Bukit Assek: 3 streams counted, DAP leads by 26 votes.
Bawang Assan: 12 streams counted, DAP trailing 1,200 votes
Dudong: 13 streams counted, trailing 650 votes
Pelawan (no streams counted yet)
For Bawang Assan and Dudong, the streams for Chinese areas are have not been counted yet.
4.57pm: In Iban-majority interior seat Pelagus, PKR's unofficial results for Rumah Garai Nanga Benin is:
PKR: 68
BN: 17
Ind: 29
PKR: 68
BN: 17
Ind: 29
4.47pm: Unofficial results from BN sources:
Semop
BN: 3,134
PKR: 468
Ind: 280
Saribas
BN: 2,105
PKR: 814
Semop
BN: 3,134
PKR: 468
Ind: 280
Saribas
BN: 2,105
PKR: 814
4.35pm: According to a BN source, the latest unofficial seat tally:
BN: 12 seats
Pakatan: 1 seat
BN: 12 seats
Pakatan: 1 seat
4.24pm: In Batang Ai BN is leading about 200 votes out of the polling districts that have been counted.
However more than half of the polling districts are still pending, notably those with higher voter populations and located at Lubok Antu town.
This means PKR still stands a chance to turn the results around.
However more than half of the polling districts are still pending, notably those with higher voter populations and located at Lubok Antu town.
This means PKR still stands a chance to turn the results around.
Iban-majority Batang Ai was last contested exactly two years ago in a by-election following the death of the incumbent assemblyperson. It was won by PRS Malcom Mussen Lamoh, who is defending the seat in this state election.
4.18pm: Unofficial results: BN has won the Malay/Melanau-majority seat of Semop.
PBB: 3,138
PKR: 426
Independent: 324
PBB: 3,138
PKR: 426
Independent: 324
Majority: 2,712
It is leading in five other Malay/Melanau-majority seats - Tanjung Datu, Muara Tuang, Sadong Jaya, Beting Maro, Saribas.
It is leading in five other Malay/Melanau-majority seats - Tanjung Datu, Muara Tuang, Sadong Jaya, Beting Maro, Saribas.
It is also leading in Iban-majority Layar, which is held by DCM Alfred Jabu.
4.10pm: In Saribas, PKR has been defeated in all 12 polling districts counted so far. Another 10 polling districts are unknown.
BN's majority in almost all 12 polling districts has increased compared with the 2006 polls.
It was said that PBB retained the seat in the last polls with only a 94-vote majority because its fielded a unpopular candidate.
BN's majority in almost all 12 polling districts has increased compared with the 2006 polls.
It was said that PBB retained the seat in the last polls with only a 94-vote majority because its fielded a unpopular candidate.
The initial result shows PBB's strategy to replace incumbent Wahbi Junaidi with young novice, Muhammad Razi Sitam, has helped to party to regain lost support.
4.09pm: According to PAS the results at 4pm at the following:
Muara Tuang
PAS: 200
BN: 381
Bebas: 0
Sadong Jaya
PAS: 223
BN: 672
Ind: 77
Muara Tuang
PAS: 200
BN: 381
Bebas: 0
Sadong Jaya
PAS: 223
BN: 672
Ind: 77
3.53pm: A PKR source says BN is leading with some 700 votes in Layar and there are only a few polling stations yet to close. It is going to be very difficult to overturn BN's majority, says the source.
The Iban-majority semi-rural seat of Layar is the stronghold of deputy chief minister Alfred Jabu, who is seeking his eight consecutive term in this election.
He is challenged by PKR's new face Stanny Embat.
The Iban-majority semi-rural seat of Layar is the stronghold of deputy chief minister Alfred Jabu, who is seeking his eight consecutive term in this election.
He is challenged by PKR's new face Stanny Embat.
3.58pm: DAP says it is on its way to retain Meradong, which was won by spunky 27-year-old Teng Tze Fui four years ago. She is leading by 459 votes.
During the campaigning, DAP has expressed fears that she could be defeated.
DAP: 1,072
SUPP: 613
SUPP: 613
3.50pm: According to Serdang MP Teo Nie Ching, there appears to be a swing to the opposition in Repok which DAP hopes to wrest from SUPP.
In one polling station during early count, DAP won 165 votes against BN's 135.
“During 2006 (state elections), we lost by 23 votes,” she says. DAP lost by 576 votes in the last state elections.
In one polling station during early count, DAP won 165 votes against BN's 135.
“During 2006 (state elections), we lost by 23 votes,” she says. DAP lost by 576 votes in the last state elections.
3.45pm: PKR sources say BN is leading with some 400 votes at N28 Engkilili.
The Iban-majority seat, said to be a 'grey' seat for BN, sees a four-way fight amongst BN-SUPP, PKR, Snap and an Independent.
3.42pm: Latest unofficial figures from Ba'Kelalan. PKR has increased its lead to 477.
PKR: 1,747The Iban-majority seat, said to be a 'grey' seat for BN, sees a four-way fight amongst BN-SUPP, PKR, Snap and an Independent.
3.42pm: Latest unofficial figures from Ba'Kelalan. PKR has increased its lead to 477.
SPDP: 1,270
3.38pm: In N30 Saribas BN is leading with 1,638 to PKR's 601, majority 1,037.
3.35pm: According to DAP sources, the party is leading in two seats - Meradong (near Sibu), Kidurong (Bintulu) - in early count. DAP is the incumbent in Meradong.
There appears to be a close fight in Bawang Assan, which is held by Sibu SUPP strongman Wong Soon Koh. He is being challenged by Alice Lau, a new face from DAP.
There appears to be a close fight in Bawang Assan, which is held by Sibu SUPP strongman Wong Soon Koh. He is being challenged by Alice Lau, a new face from DAP.
3.28pm: PKR deputy president Azmin Ali says that Baru Bian is still leading by 300 votes in Ba'Kelalan as the vote count continues.
Baru's campaign manager Paul has earlier claimed victory.
3.05pm: In N30 Saribas BN is leading with 872 out of some 2,000 votes cast.
3.01pm: Selangor exco Xavier Jayakumar, who is in Krian, tells Malaysiakini that PKR has won the state seat.
With one more ballot box to go, PKR is leading SPDP:
PKR: 2,335
SPDP: 1,185
He says that the PKR lead in this Iban-majority seat is so big that the final ballot box will not make any difference to the overall result.
SPDP: 1,185
He says that the PKR lead in this Iban-majority seat is so big that the final ballot box will not make any difference to the overall result.
3pm: The latest unofficial results for the following seats:
Sebuyau
PAS: 612
BN: 1,409
Ind: 37
Tanjong Datu
PAS: 127
BN: 636
Ind: 11
Sebuyau
PAS: 612
BN: 1,409
Ind: 37
Tanjong Datu
PAS: 127
BN: 636
Ind: 11
2.46pm: Paul Bian, campaign director for Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian in N70 Ba'Kelalan claims that PKR has captured the seat.
He says PKR is leading with about 200 votes, with the results of a few ballot boxes left to be known due to absence of network coverage.
However, those ballots belong to PKR stronghold areas, he says, so Bian is expected to win.
All polling stations in the hilly rural seat closed by 1pm at the latest.
He says PKR is leading with about 200 votes, with the results of a few ballot boxes left to be known due to absence of network coverage.
However, those ballots belong to PKR stronghold areas, he says, so Bian is expected to win.
All polling stations in the hilly rural seat closed by 1pm at the latest.
2.40pm: BN is leading in N36 Semop, according to unofficial results.
BN: 2,972
PKR: 454
Ind: 274
BN's majority is 2,518.
2.25pm: As at 2pm, PKR operations centre reports that they are leading in 7 seats: N34 Krian, N70 Ba'Kelalan, N53 Kakus, N52 Tamin, N58 Jepak N18 Tebedu, N42 Meluan.
BN: 2,972
PKR: 454
Ind: 274
BN's majority is 2,518.
2.25pm: As at 2pm, PKR operations centre reports that they are leading in 7 seats: N34 Krian, N70 Ba'Kelalan, N53 Kakus, N52 Tamin, N58 Jepak N18 Tebedu, N42 Meluan.
Meanwhile, BN is claiming to be leading in four seats - N3 Tanjung Datu, N20 Sadong Jaya, N24 Beting Maro and N36 Semop - which PAS is contesting.
Based on this very preliminary results, there appeared to be a swing among the Iban to Pakatan, while a swing among Malay/Melanau to BN.
Based on this very preliminary results, there appeared to be a swing among the Iban to Pakatan, while a swing among Malay/Melanau to BN.
1.55pm: In Saribas, PBB is leading 594 out of some 1,400 votes counted.
1.50pm: According to PKR, the vote is really close in Ba'Kelalan. The unofficial result shows PKR's Baru Bian still in the lead by a whisker:
PKR: 596
BN: 525
BN: 525
1.30pm: According to BN, PBB is leading PAS in Beting Maro 288 against 144.
1.10pm: PKR says they are also leading in Jepak (PKR - 91, PBB - 81).
12.54am: PKR says they are also leading in early vote count in Layar and Meluan.
However, in Saribas, BN is leading by 343 votes from six polling stations that have been counted. They consist about 10 percent of the total votes.
Saribas is considered as one of the seats that PKR has the highest chance to win. BN's majority in the last state polls was only 94 votes.
However, in Saribas, BN is leading by 343 votes from six polling stations that have been counted. They consist about 10 percent of the total votes.
Saribas is considered as one of the seats that PKR has the highest chance to win. BN's majority in the last state polls was only 94 votes.
12.49am: Other unofficial results from PKR headquarters:
Kakus
PKR: 122
BN: 70
PCM: 1
Independent - 5, rosak 1
Tamin
PKR: 113
BN: 38
As both are Iban-majority seats, there appears to be a swing among the Iban to Pakatan. But these are very early unofficial results.
Kakus
PKR: 122
BN: 70
PCM: 1
Independent - 5, rosak 1
Tamin
PKR: 113
BN: 38
As both are Iban-majority seats, there appears to be a swing among the Iban to Pakatan. But these are very early unofficial results.
12.30pm: Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian is facing a tough fight with his nephew Willie Liau in Ba'Kelalan, a hilly area which borders Indonesia's Kalimantan.
Ba'Kelalan is the smallest seat in Sarawak in terms of voter numbers - it has 6,958 registered voters.
The vote count has already begun in those polling stations which have already closed. The unofficial results so far:
PKR: 245 votes
SPDP: 223 votes
SPDP: 223 votes
source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/161686
BN retains 2 / 3 Majority to maintain as the ruling government
#Sarawak Votes: FINAL TALLY -
BN 55,
DAP 12,
SNAP 0,
PKR 3,
Independent 1.
In 2006, BN 62, DAP 6, SNAP 1, PKR 1, Independent 1."
BN 55,
DAP 12,
SNAP 0,
PKR 3,
Independent 1.
In 2006, BN 62, DAP 6, SNAP 1, PKR 1, Independent 1."
Winds of change thawrted by Money politics
Winds of change thwarted by money politics
Barisan Nasional has kept its two-thirds majority in the Sarawak state assembly, bagging 55 out of 71 constituencies, with DAP coming in second with 12, PKR with three seats and one secured by an Independent candidate.
The winds of change which were expected to blow through Sarawak, however forceful, were thwarted as fear and financial dependance on the government still play a role. Sarawak - the country's largest and most resource-rich state but which remains severely impoverished - is considered the ruling coalition's 'fixed deposit' but is nevertheless showing a strong resistance as the opposition had doubled its representation this time around.
Following are excepts of comments from analysts, several of whom had ventured to the ground during the 10-day campaign period:-
Mohd Faizal Syam Abdol Hazis, head of political studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas)
In the rural areas the opposition is not just contesting against the state but also the federal machinery. If you talk to the ordinary people, there is obvious general discontent against BN but these sentiments are not really reflected in the results.
For the Malay-Melanau community especially, politics of patronage still plays a major role. We expect this from civil servants and maybe the business community but the ordinary Malays are also cautious as they don't want their children and future to be victimised. The possibility of the opposition to win more than what they have is still there (in future), if there was a level playing field in terms of access to the media and contests between parties.
Despite being unhappy and marginalised, and despite promises of development not trickling down in rural areas as promised, they are not willing to take the risk and they are very much dependent on BN.
The access to alternative information is not there and I would say that there is still fear, real or perceived.
Another obvious instrument of control is government agencies, especially the Community Development Department (Kemas) which is very influential in rural areas. Their eyes would know who supports BN and who votes for the opposition.
The Malays are scared that a non-Malay might take over the state and their position would be threatened.
Overall, what we describe as the 'politics of Panadol' is still prevalent here. People are relieved of their pain and suffering with RM20 or RM30 and a tangki air (water tank), and then they are willing to bear the pain for the next five years. PAS is making inroads as they had clearly managed to reduce BN's majority... there was even a longhouse where PAS had captured the residents' support.
James Chin, political analyst, School of Arts and Social Sciences at Monash University
The results are not a surprise given that rural seats are going to decide the outcome. Barisan is strongest in rural areas.
These are places where money politics plays a big role. Even in urban areas voters were being paid RM300 per vote.
In rural Iban and Dayak areas it is not unexpected, given that they depend on BN for their livelihood. SUPP president George Chan's loss was expected because of two reason. Firstly it is his strong anti-Foo Chow sentiments. The Chinese tycoons (from the clan who dominant Piasau) played their cards well to ensure he lost.
Chan took the fall also because he is seen as a close allay of (Chief Minister) Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Chan Eng Seng, veteran journalist and Miri-based researcher
The infighting in SUPP since the last state election had weakened the party, thus causing the losses for the party.
Even DAP could defeat George Chan in Piasau, although DAP does not have a strong base in Miri. The future of SUPP most possibly will be like what had hit Gerakan after the March 3, 2008 general election.
Although there are some SUPP candidates who were elected today, they cannot guarantee the future of the party. SUPP is totally gone.
The SUPP is too close to Taib, and this is something most Chinese voters can no longer compromise on.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Mysterious halo around the sun sets people wondering on eve of Sarawak Election Day 2011
Mysterious halo around the sun sets people wondering
by Jane Moh. Posted on April 15, 2011, Friday
RARE SIGHTING: A mysterious halo around the sun at about 11.45am yesterday set most people at the market to a halt to look up at the rare sighting. The phenomenon lasted for about 30 minutes.
The 30-minute display, starting from 11.30am sparked a discussion among the people why it had to appear as the polling day was approaching.
They began asking whether it would carry any significance on the polling results and whether this could be a tell-tale sign on the results.
As usual, the halo display turned into a hot coffee shop talk and numerous photographs of the sun were also being posted on Facebook.
source: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=121200
Sarawak Election Statistics 2011
Sarawak Election Statistics
Posted on April 14, 2011, Thursday
KUCHING: Following are statistics released by the Election Commission to Bernama on the 10th Sarawak state election, polling of which is on Saturday.Population of Sarawak: 2.261 million
Number of seats: 71
Registered voters: 979,796 (2006: 892,537)
861,423 (normal)
18,363 (postal)
Highest number of voters: N10. Pending (29,488)
Lowest number of voters: N70. Ba Kelalan (6,958)
Polling centre with lowest number of voters: Rumah Tk Pa’Berang, Ba Kelalan (20)
Number of polling centres : 1,749 (2006: 1,716)
- schools : 1,071 (2006: 1,062)
- longhouses : 402 (2006: 396)
- community halls : 126 (2006: 125)
- halls : 59
- others : 91 (2006: 125)
Polling streams : 2,606 (2006: 2,450)
Candidates:
PARTY Number of candidates
BN 71 (2006:71)
PKR 49 (2006: 25)
SNAP 26 (2006: 29)
DAP 15 (2006: 12)
PCM 6
PAS 5 (2006:1)
BEBAS 41 (2006:20)
Total: 213 (2006: 158)
CONTEST CATEGORIES:
Straight fight - 27 (2006: 54)
Three-corner - 23 (2006: 12)
Four-corner – 17 (2006: 1)
Five-corner – 2 (2006: 1)
Six-corner – 2
Election staff: 24,379
Transportation: a. helicopters : 27 (2006:20)
b. light aircraft : 2 (2006:2)
c. cars & four-wheel drives : 4,499 (2,257)
d. boats : 853 (1,055)
Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=120309
Voter claims BN campaigners gave him money
S’WAK POLLS Four people he believes are BN workers call at his house with a slip on his voting details, a BN poster and two RM10 notes.
A voter has claimed that he received RM20 from BN campaigners who visited his house at Kampung Baru Sri Aman in the Lingga state constituency this afternoon.
The male Malay voter, who asked not to be named, showed Malaysiakini the money stapled to a slip of paper that showed his voting details.
He claimed that four Malays – two males and two females believed to be BN campaigners – were doing house-to-house visits in the village around 4pm today.
At his house, they called on the family members to vote for BN and then handed over slip with his voter registration details, stapled with two RM10 notes, a small piece of white paper printed with the BN symbol and a cross beside it, together with an A4-sized poster of the BN symbol, printed in colour.
His voting details included his name, IC number, polling district, polling station, polling stream, polling date and time.
Although the slip had no BN symbol, the print at the bottom stated that the publisher is the BN headquarters located on Jalan Bako, Kuching, and the printer, a company named Lee Miing Press Sdn Bhd, also located in Kuching.
The A4 poster, also published by the state BN headquarters, states the printer as Heng Sing Brothers Press, which is also Kuching-based.
“I’m considering lodging a police report. Vote-buying is a very serious offence during an election,” he told Malaysiakini.
Kampung Baru Sri Aman is located within the Lingga constituency, which is one of the 19 “black” seats identified by BN.
It is seeing a three-way fight among incumbent Simoi Peri (BN-PBB), Abang Ahmad Arabi Abang Bolhassan (PKR) and Abang Othman Abang Gom (SNAP).
Simoi, who had earlier announced that she would step down but was still fielded by BN, is said to be an “unpopular candidate”.
Malaysiakini has not been able to get her response on the alleged vote-buying.
The opposition parties have been claiming that this state election has been marred by rampant vote-buying, but Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday vehemently denied this.
SOURCE: http://malaysiakinicom.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/voter-claims-bn-campaigners-gave-him-money/#more-1317
The male Malay voter, who asked not to be named, showed Malaysiakini the money stapled to a slip of paper that showed his voting details.
He claimed that four Malays – two males and two females believed to be BN campaigners – were doing house-to-house visits in the village around 4pm today.
At his house, they called on the family members to vote for BN and then handed over slip with his voter registration details, stapled with two RM10 notes, a small piece of white paper printed with the BN symbol and a cross beside it, together with an A4-sized poster of the BN symbol, printed in colour.
His voting details included his name, IC number, polling district, polling station, polling stream, polling date and time.Although the slip had no BN symbol, the print at the bottom stated that the publisher is the BN headquarters located on Jalan Bako, Kuching, and the printer, a company named Lee Miing Press Sdn Bhd, also located in Kuching.
The A4 poster, also published by the state BN headquarters, states the printer as Heng Sing Brothers Press, which is also Kuching-based.
“I’m considering lodging a police report. Vote-buying is a very serious offence during an election,” he told Malaysiakini.
Kampung Baru Sri Aman is located within the Lingga constituency, which is one of the 19 “black” seats identified by BN.
It is seeing a three-way fight among incumbent Simoi Peri (BN-PBB), Abang Ahmad Arabi Abang Bolhassan (PKR) and Abang Othman Abang Gom (SNAP).
Simoi, who had earlier announced that she would step down but was still fielded by BN, is said to be an “unpopular candidate”.
Malaysiakini has not been able to get her response on the alleged vote-buying.
The opposition parties have been claiming that this state election has been marred by rampant vote-buying, but Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday vehemently denied this.
SOURCE: http://malaysiakinicom.wordpress.com/2011/04/15/voter-claims-bn-campaigners-gave-him-money/#more-1317
Find out where to vote on 16 April 2011
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Could you be one of the 50,000?
Check by sending an SMS to 15888 as follow:
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Momentary chaos at DAP Kuching Rally
Chaos struck a DAP-organised rally in Kuching late this evening when the police stormed the stage to stop Sarawak DAP founder Chong Siew Chiang from speaking.
Supporters immediately formed a human shield to stop the police team led by Kuching OCPD Mun Kok Keong.
A tug of war between the DAP supporters and police took place for about a minute, threatening to get out of control - until the police ceased their push forward.
At one point, Mun came so close to Chong that his supporters moved in to keep the officer away from their leader.
The crowd grew livid, especially after riot police began to muscle their way to the stage.
Deafening chants of "Ubah" and "DAP" rang through the crowd, which became silent after one of the rally emcees urged them to calm down.
For reasons not stated, the police gave up on their mission and left the stage, much to the delight of the crowd.
As they were leaving, one of the emcees told the gathering that the organisers had obtained a permit for the event.
When he asked if the crowd would allow the police to stop the event, the response was a loud "No!"
At the time of writing, the rally is proceeding smoothly, with DAP chairperson Karpal Singh just arriving.
Source: http://malaysiakini.com/news/161661
Supporters immediately formed a human shield to stop the police team led by Kuching OCPD Mun Kok Keong.A tug of war between the DAP supporters and police took place for about a minute, threatening to get out of control - until the police ceased their push forward.
At one point, Mun came so close to Chong that his supporters moved in to keep the officer away from their leader.
The crowd grew livid, especially after riot police began to muscle their way to the stage.
Deafening chants of "Ubah" and "DAP" rang through the crowd, which became silent after one of the rally emcees urged them to calm down.
For reasons not stated, the police gave up on their mission and left the stage, much to the delight of the crowd. As they were leaving, one of the emcees told the gathering that the organisers had obtained a permit for the event.
When he asked if the crowd would allow the police to stop the event, the response was a loud "No!"
At the time of writing, the rally is proceeding smoothly, with DAP chairperson Karpal Singh just arriving.
Source: http://malaysiakini.com/news/161661
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
SUPP upset over 'I love Pek Moh' billboard
The latest "I love Pek Moh" billboard set up by DAP this morning to satirise SUPP president and Piasau candidate George Chan Hong Nam and two other candidates in Miri, has drawn protests from the Chinese-based ruling party.
It was revealed today by Johor DAP chief Boo Cheng Hau in a press conference in front of the billboard concerned, that a SUPP lawyer - David Siaw - had sent two strongly-worded text messages to DAP's election director.
According to one of the messages shown to Malaysiakini, the SUPP lawyer warned DAP to remove the billboard, otherwise legal action will be taken.
"Please take down the billboard that shows our three candidates with the CM. You have no authority to use the photos of our candidates. Kindly be warned that we will sue for defamation."
In another message, the text sender warned that the BN component parties may take "tit-for-tat" action if the billboard was not removed.
"You may see your DAP candidates saying things in favour of BN or perhaps worse in clandestine billboards, " it hinted darkly.
DAP, however, has refused to remove the billboard, claiming that they have not defamed anybody.
"Unless it says you don't love Pek Moh, there's no defamation," said Lim Sie Keong, the opponent for George Chan in Piasau.
Playing on slogan
Chan also criticised the opposition party for spreading lies or making fun of opponents, just to incite hatred among the people.
"No wonder their gatherings draw fewer and fewer people now, because people are sick of them.
"We Sarawakians are not used to this. We never said Karpal Singh should never contest because he is in a wheelchair. We never say such things."
He said the people are more concerned on how to make Miri better.
"The culture here is you do this, and I will do it better. It should be like that."
He also pointed out that the opposition's strategy had backfired.
"The people have known us for 30 to 40 years, so we can't lie about ourselves. The people will will even know how many hairs you have."
However, the Piasau candidate refused to comment on SUPP's chances, adding that he is expecting the opposition to show more dirty tactics and tell more lies in last two days to win the election.
"So, I want to tell my people, you have known the three of us, we are decent people. We know how to do the things that will benefit the community."
Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/161457
It was revealed today by Johor DAP chief Boo Cheng Hau in a press conference in front of the billboard concerned, that a SUPP lawyer - David Siaw - had sent two strongly-worded text messages to DAP's election director.
According to one of the messages shown to Malaysiakini, the SUPP lawyer warned DAP to remove the billboard, otherwise legal action will be taken.
"Please take down the billboard that shows our three candidates with the CM. You have no authority to use the photos of our candidates. Kindly be warned that we will sue for defamation."
In another message, the text sender warned that the BN component parties may take "tit-for-tat" action if the billboard was not removed.
"You may see your DAP candidates saying things in favour of BN or perhaps worse in clandestine billboards, " it hinted darkly.
DAP, however, has refused to remove the billboard, claiming that they have not defamed anybody.
"Unless it says you don't love Pek Moh, there's no defamation," said Lim Sie Keong, the opponent for George Chan in Piasau.
Playing on slogan
The billboards are playing on the SUPP election slogan - "I love Miri" and depict the three SUPP candidates in Miri, including Andy Chia Chu Fatt (Pujut) and Lee Kim Shin, as the bodyguards for the emperor - Taib Mahmud.
Earlier, Chan had told the press conference that the billboard strategy was not a "gentlemanly" approach to campaigning.
"We have always been gentlemen, we never use this sort of method."
He added that they had sent a notice of demand through lawyer David Siaw to DAP and its two Miri candidates Fong Pau Teck and Ling Sie Kiong, concerning what they allege as defamatory material in the election leaflets distributed by the opposition party.
The leaflets alleged that the family of the deputy chief minister was involved in corruption.
Chan is demanding that their opponents retract the leaflets immediately and apologise within 24 hours.
He also requested them to make compensation in 48 hours.
Chan said this is not the first time DAP had lied and made insinuations against him.
Indeed DAP state chief Wong Ho Leng had made similar allegations and had to apologise publicly. "This time I cannot let it go, they cannot only apologise."
Compensation of RM10 million sought
He said he will request for compensation of RM10 million and it will be donated to charity.Earlier, Chan had told the press conference that the billboard strategy was not a "gentlemanly" approach to campaigning.
"We have always been gentlemen, we never use this sort of method."
He added that they had sent a notice of demand through lawyer David Siaw to DAP and its two Miri candidates Fong Pau Teck and Ling Sie Kiong, concerning what they allege as defamatory material in the election leaflets distributed by the opposition party.
The leaflets alleged that the family of the deputy chief minister was involved in corruption.
Chan is demanding that their opponents retract the leaflets immediately and apologise within 24 hours.
He also requested them to make compensation in 48 hours.
Chan said this is not the first time DAP had lied and made insinuations against him.
Indeed DAP state chief Wong Ho Leng had made similar allegations and had to apologise publicly. "This time I cannot let it go, they cannot only apologise."
Compensation of RM10 million sought
Chan also criticised the opposition party for spreading lies or making fun of opponents, just to incite hatred among the people.
"No wonder their gatherings draw fewer and fewer people now, because people are sick of them.
"We Sarawakians are not used to this. We never said Karpal Singh should never contest because he is in a wheelchair. We never say such things."
He said the people are more concerned on how to make Miri better.
"The culture here is you do this, and I will do it better. It should be like that."
He also pointed out that the opposition's strategy had backfired.
"The people have known us for 30 to 40 years, so we can't lie about ourselves. The people will will even know how many hairs you have."
However, the Piasau candidate refused to comment on SUPP's chances, adding that he is expecting the opposition to show more dirty tactics and tell more lies in last two days to win the election.
"So, I want to tell my people, you have known the three of us, we are decent people. We know how to do the things that will benefit the community."
Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/161457
Don't use religious issues, opposition told
KUCHING, April 12 (Bernama) -- Religious and racial harmony is a very precious asset that every Malaysian should strive to preserve, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said today.
He said the opposition should not use religious issues in the Sarawak election because this could threaten harmony in this state of various races and creeds.
"We know this state has its own culture of peace, courtesy and tolerance, with respect for all, regardless of race or religion," he told reporters after closing a course for Quran teachers.
This culture must be protected for the wellbeing of the people and continued development, he added.
At the closing ceremony, Minister in the Chief Minister's Office Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman questioned the motive of PAS contesting the state polls.
Daud, who is PBB vice-president, wondered how PAS could champion Islam when it was vying for only five seats.
He said the peninsula-based party had come to Sarawak to split Muslims in the state for opposition advantage.
Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/56043
He said the opposition should not use religious issues in the Sarawak election because this could threaten harmony in this state of various races and creeds.
"We know this state has its own culture of peace, courtesy and tolerance, with respect for all, regardless of race or religion," he told reporters after closing a course for Quran teachers.
This culture must be protected for the wellbeing of the people and continued development, he added.
At the closing ceremony, Minister in the Chief Minister's Office Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman questioned the motive of PAS contesting the state polls.
Daud, who is PBB vice-president, wondered how PAS could champion Islam when it was vying for only five seats.
He said the peninsula-based party had come to Sarawak to split Muslims in the state for opposition advantage.
Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/56043
Opposition harping on Taib's tenure
SIBU, April 12 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud's 30-year tenure has been turned into a burning issue by the opposition in the Sarawak state election, polling of which is on Saturday.
More often than not, DAP leaders do not call the 74-year old veteran leader who has been responsible for the tremendous development of Sarawak by name but "pa moh" - referring to his silvery white-hair.
Despite Taib having announced that he will hand over power to his successor, who has yet to be named, the opposition front consisting of DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and PAS has not stopped kicking up dust on the subject.
Running out of substantial issues, it appears that the opposition has to make the best out of the situation to stir up sentiments, especially among the Chinese population.
It took Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to neutralise the issue with Najib saying that he and Taib had discussed the matter and would make an announcement at the appropriate time.
But Taib's extended reign is not the only debate, as the opposition is also training its guns on the tenure of other state leaders like deputy chief ministers Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.
Dr Chan heads the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) while Jabu is one of two deputy presidents of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the backbone of the State Barisan Nasional (BN). SUPP is the second biggest component in the State BN.
Dr Chan said to SUPP's supporters and sympathisers, Taib's strong leadership was still needed at least for now as he (Taib) always adopted a balanced approach in handling delicate ethnic issues.
"He can go with ease to various places in the state, whether longhouses or houses of worship. He is a moderate leader who bonds well with various groups," he said.
Former Lambir assemblyman Aidan Wing, can attest to Taib's attributes. He said the government contributed to the building of various houses of worship in the state, such as the St Peter/St Paul Church in Mukah, a Melanau heartland in Sarawak's central region.
"Taib even had a hand in the design of the church which gives better functionality to its structure. That is why we invited him to officiate the opening of the church," said Aidan, who also hails from Mukah and is board chairman of Mukah Catholic Church Charitable Trust.
Such balancing act augurs well for the multi-racial and laid-back society in Sarawak where religious diversity and differences are not an issue.
Within the local political context, Taib's strong leadership has also kept the current political status-quo in check from outside influence.
Sarawak Minister of Housing and Urban Development Datuk Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, reported to be in the front line to take over from Taib, said the opposition had been attacking the moderate stance of the state government in matters of race and religion.
"When we (Muslim leaders) open a church, they (opposition) say we are not Muslims. When I went to officiate a Chinese school, they said I'm pro-Chinese.
"For us here, it is normal, but for these opposition parties, they try to create an issue and stir up emotions among the various ethnic groups," he said.
SUPP's publicity chief Daniel Ngieng said the reason for DAP to pick on the "Pa Moh" issue was to stir up Chinese sentiments.
"To me, what is more important is whether the Chinese want bigger representation in the government for their long term benefit or just to ride on their emotions and lose everything later," he said.
Ngieng said if the opposition wants to talk about Taib overstaying his welcome, they should go to the mirror and look at themselves.
"They will see their veteran leaders stand out very clearly such as Lim Kit Siang who has been dominating DAP for 42 years and DAP chairman Karpal Singh who has been around 32 years," he said.
Ngieng said the DAP was only contesting in 15 seats and if it was serious about toppling Taib, the party should have contested the Balingian seat (Taib's seat).
"Taib will stay on as 56 bumiputera seats are in the hands of the BN. That is why we believe the DAP has a covert agenda. After the election, they will go back to KL (Kuala Lumpur). Then who is going to defend the Chinese's interest here?," he asked.
Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/56059
More often than not, DAP leaders do not call the 74-year old veteran leader who has been responsible for the tremendous development of Sarawak by name but "pa moh" - referring to his silvery white-hair.
Despite Taib having announced that he will hand over power to his successor, who has yet to be named, the opposition front consisting of DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and PAS has not stopped kicking up dust on the subject.
Running out of substantial issues, it appears that the opposition has to make the best out of the situation to stir up sentiments, especially among the Chinese population.
It took Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to neutralise the issue with Najib saying that he and Taib had discussed the matter and would make an announcement at the appropriate time.
But Taib's extended reign is not the only debate, as the opposition is also training its guns on the tenure of other state leaders like deputy chief ministers Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.
Dr Chan heads the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) while Jabu is one of two deputy presidents of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the backbone of the State Barisan Nasional (BN). SUPP is the second biggest component in the State BN.
Dr Chan said to SUPP's supporters and sympathisers, Taib's strong leadership was still needed at least for now as he (Taib) always adopted a balanced approach in handling delicate ethnic issues.
"He can go with ease to various places in the state, whether longhouses or houses of worship. He is a moderate leader who bonds well with various groups," he said.
Former Lambir assemblyman Aidan Wing, can attest to Taib's attributes. He said the government contributed to the building of various houses of worship in the state, such as the St Peter/St Paul Church in Mukah, a Melanau heartland in Sarawak's central region.
"Taib even had a hand in the design of the church which gives better functionality to its structure. That is why we invited him to officiate the opening of the church," said Aidan, who also hails from Mukah and is board chairman of Mukah Catholic Church Charitable Trust.
Such balancing act augurs well for the multi-racial and laid-back society in Sarawak where religious diversity and differences are not an issue.
Within the local political context, Taib's strong leadership has also kept the current political status-quo in check from outside influence.
Sarawak Minister of Housing and Urban Development Datuk Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, reported to be in the front line to take over from Taib, said the opposition had been attacking the moderate stance of the state government in matters of race and religion.
"When we (Muslim leaders) open a church, they (opposition) say we are not Muslims. When I went to officiate a Chinese school, they said I'm pro-Chinese.
"For us here, it is normal, but for these opposition parties, they try to create an issue and stir up emotions among the various ethnic groups," he said.
SUPP's publicity chief Daniel Ngieng said the reason for DAP to pick on the "Pa Moh" issue was to stir up Chinese sentiments.
"To me, what is more important is whether the Chinese want bigger representation in the government for their long term benefit or just to ride on their emotions and lose everything later," he said.
Ngieng said if the opposition wants to talk about Taib overstaying his welcome, they should go to the mirror and look at themselves.
"They will see their veteran leaders stand out very clearly such as Lim Kit Siang who has been dominating DAP for 42 years and DAP chairman Karpal Singh who has been around 32 years," he said.
Ngieng said the DAP was only contesting in 15 seats and if it was serious about toppling Taib, the party should have contested the Balingian seat (Taib's seat).
"Taib will stay on as 56 bumiputera seats are in the hands of the BN. That is why we believe the DAP has a covert agenda. After the election, they will go back to KL (Kuala Lumpur). Then who is going to defend the Chinese's interest here?," he asked.
Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/56059
No discrimination in Sarawak: Taib
KUCHING, April 12 (Bernama) -- Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has slammed Peninsular-based opposition parties for waging a sustained campaign of "lies, instigation and racism allegations" in the state election.
He said allegations of racial discrimination and that non-Muslims in Sarawak were unsafe were "all fiction."
Taib said most of the DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) campaign workers were not Sarawakians.
"Most of the people of Sarawak know that there are more Christians than Muslims in Sarawak. So there is no question of Muslims wanting to dominate or to discriminate against other faiths," he said in an interview today.
Even the small Indian population found it comfortable living in the state, he added.
Taib said he was saddened by such attempts to disrupt unity in the state.
"I tell the religious leaders and community leaders frankly that the politics propagated by the DAP and PKR is unsuitable to ensure peace and solidarity or for the convenience and progress of Sarawak in future," Taib said.
He said the state government must have long-term planning so that the young generation were not influenced by the opposition propaganda.
"This trend is most dangerous. Probably after the state election, Sarawak will come up with a White Paper to preserve Sarawak's harmonious political atmosphere and to preserve stability," he said.
He said it would help to forge a common programme and understanding among the various races, religions and cultures in the state including minority groups.
Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/56060
He said allegations of racial discrimination and that non-Muslims in Sarawak were unsafe were "all fiction."
Taib said most of the DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) campaign workers were not Sarawakians.
"Most of the people of Sarawak know that there are more Christians than Muslims in Sarawak. So there is no question of Muslims wanting to dominate or to discriminate against other faiths," he said in an interview today.
Even the small Indian population found it comfortable living in the state, he added.
Taib said he was saddened by such attempts to disrupt unity in the state.
"I tell the religious leaders and community leaders frankly that the politics propagated by the DAP and PKR is unsuitable to ensure peace and solidarity or for the convenience and progress of Sarawak in future," Taib said.
He said the state government must have long-term planning so that the young generation were not influenced by the opposition propaganda.
"This trend is most dangerous. Probably after the state election, Sarawak will come up with a White Paper to preserve Sarawak's harmonious political atmosphere and to preserve stability," he said.
He said it would help to forge a common programme and understanding among the various races, religions and cultures in the state including minority groups.
Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/56060
Taib confident of two-thirds majority
KUCHING, April 12 (Bernama) -- The first vote in the 10th Sarawak state election will be cast tomorrow as police and security forces personnel take to the ballot box first with three days to go to polling day (Saturday).
Postal voters number 18,363 of the 979,796 on the electoral roll.
The next 72 hours will see campaigning going into overdrive as Barisan Nasional (BN) defends its ground against the opposition spearheaded by Peninsular-based DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said today that the BN would win more than two-thirds majority on Saturday because bumiputeras continue to back the government.
Taib, who is Sarawak BN chairman, said that he also sees some change in Chinese-dominated so-called black areas and older Chinese voters were more serious about weighing the community' representation in the government.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is national BN chairman, and his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, will continue with their offensive in the interior Dayak areas and Chinese urban towns.
They are scheduled separately to swing by Miri where the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), the Chinese component of the state BN, is locked in an intense fight for the Chinese-dominated seats here against the DAP.
Among the seats is the Piasau constituency which being defended by SUPP president Tan Sri Dr George Chan.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Sibu before returning to Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
Meanwhile, Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM), which is making its debut in the election with 10 candidates, said Sarawakians should not vote for the opposition front of DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and PAS.
Party vice-president Huan Cheng Guan of the Penang-based PCM said if the opposition front took over Sarawak, the parties involved would import their people to Sarawak to "cari makan" (for bounty).
He said the DAP had done the same thing in Penang when they won the state in the 2008 general election and treated the locals badly.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohmad Salleh said another 250 permits were issued in the last 24 hours and he again reminded the political parties not to touch on racial sensitivities.
MySinchew 2011.04.13Postal voters number 18,363 of the 979,796 on the electoral roll.
The next 72 hours will see campaigning going into overdrive as Barisan Nasional (BN) defends its ground against the opposition spearheaded by Peninsular-based DAP and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said today that the BN would win more than two-thirds majority on Saturday because bumiputeras continue to back the government.
Taib, who is Sarawak BN chairman, said that he also sees some change in Chinese-dominated so-called black areas and older Chinese voters were more serious about weighing the community' representation in the government.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is national BN chairman, and his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, will continue with their offensive in the interior Dayak areas and Chinese urban towns.
They are scheduled separately to swing by Miri where the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), the Chinese component of the state BN, is locked in an intense fight for the Chinese-dominated seats here against the DAP.
Among the seats is the Piasau constituency which being defended by SUPP president Tan Sri Dr George Chan.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Sibu before returning to Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
Meanwhile, Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM), which is making its debut in the election with 10 candidates, said Sarawakians should not vote for the opposition front of DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and PAS.
Party vice-president Huan Cheng Guan of the Penang-based PCM said if the opposition front took over Sarawak, the parties involved would import their people to Sarawak to "cari makan" (for bounty).
He said the DAP had done the same thing in Penang when they won the state in the 2008 general election and treated the locals badly.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohmad Salleh said another 250 permits were issued in the last 24 hours and he again reminded the political parties not to touch on racial sensitivities.
BN needs to win urban seats: Najib
KUCHING, April 13 (Bernama) -- The Barisan Nasional (BN) needs to step up efforts to win urban seats in the Sarawak state election this Saturday, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The prime minister said the BN must work extra hard to win these seats because the coalition's candidates fielded for them were people of very high calibre.
Najib said it could not be denied that the BN's ability to win these seats would be a tough challenge.
Voters in urban areas (in Sarawak) should have faith in the BN to assure their future based on the transformation programmes that have already been implemented by the government, he told a press conference after attending a "meet-the-people" session in Sadong Jaya near here today.
"We have already introduced the 1Malaysia concept whereby all races will be treated fairly," he said.
In the last Sarawak state election in 2006, the BN lost nine seats mostly in urban areas like Pending, Pandungan, Kota Sentosa and Batu Lintang.
Earlier, Najib, who arrived here last night for a four-day visit to Sarawak, had held "meet-the-people" sessions with the townsfolk of Pusa, Serian and in Sebuyau in the Sri Aman division.
MySinchew 2011.04.13The prime minister said the BN must work extra hard to win these seats because the coalition's candidates fielded for them were people of very high calibre.
Najib said it could not be denied that the BN's ability to win these seats would be a tough challenge.
Voters in urban areas (in Sarawak) should have faith in the BN to assure their future based on the transformation programmes that have already been implemented by the government, he told a press conference after attending a "meet-the-people" session in Sadong Jaya near here today.
"We have already introduced the 1Malaysia concept whereby all races will be treated fairly," he said.
In the last Sarawak state election in 2006, the BN lost nine seats mostly in urban areas like Pending, Pandungan, Kota Sentosa and Batu Lintang.
Earlier, Najib, who arrived here last night for a four-day visit to Sarawak, had held "meet-the-people" sessions with the townsfolk of Pusa, Serian and in Sebuyau in the Sri Aman division.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
PM dismisses Sarawak opposition manifesto as mere election promises
PEKAN, April 9 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today dismissed the Sarawak election manifesto of the opposition pact as mere election promises, unlike what he said was the ongoing infrastructure development of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government in that state.
He said the BN government's ongoing massive infrastructure development in Sarawak was not tied to the state election as it had been going on since last year.
"The opposition makes promises; it does not give guarantees. Our (the BN) manifesto is on ongoing efforts. The proof is in the implementation of the NKRA (National Key Result Area). We give preference to infrastructure development," he told reporters after opening the One-Stop Marketing Complex of the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park, here.
Najib, who is also BN chairman, was asked to comment on the opposition pact's "Jom Ubah Sarawak" (Let's Go for Change, Sarawak) manifesto for the state election, polling for which is on April 16.
The prime minister said the federal government was undertaking many infrastructure projects in Sarawak, and that it would be the biggest achievement yet of the BN government in terms of development of water, electricity and road projects as well as repair of houses and such.
Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55871
He said the BN government's ongoing massive infrastructure development in Sarawak was not tied to the state election as it had been going on since last year.
"The opposition makes promises; it does not give guarantees. Our (the BN) manifesto is on ongoing efforts. The proof is in the implementation of the NKRA (National Key Result Area). We give preference to infrastructure development," he told reporters after opening the One-Stop Marketing Complex of the Pekan Automotive Industrial Park, here.
Najib, who is also BN chairman, was asked to comment on the opposition pact's "Jom Ubah Sarawak" (Let's Go for Change, Sarawak) manifesto for the state election, polling for which is on April 16.
The prime minister said the federal government was undertaking many infrastructure projects in Sarawak, and that it would be the biggest achievement yet of the BN government in terms of development of water, electricity and road projects as well as repair of houses and such.
Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55871
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