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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 2011.04.13

 

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/56061 

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 2011.04.13

 

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/56082 

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

Chinese must vote for a stake in post-Taib government, says Sim

KUCHING, April 9 (Bernama) -- He may be a new face at the polls but Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, the Barisan Nasional candidate for the Pending state here, is no stranger to the demands of public life.
He learned what serving the public meant from his father, the late deputy chief minister Tan Sri Sim Kheng Hong, who was treasurer of the Sarawak United People's Party.
"I followed my parents around, meeting a lot of people. People could drop by the house any time. A lot of people still remember him very well," Dr Sim said.
"Not many people now know this of my father, but one of his greatest qualities was that he didn't speak much, he just served, he worked to produce results. This is what I call real action to create real change," added the 46-year-old renowned cardiologist who is the second youngest of eight siblings.
The SUPP member is adopting his father's ethics with a little twist to project his identity in his slogan for the April 16 state election.
Above the catch phrases of "real action" and "real change" is "real heart" emblazoned in red.
"It's simple, I am a cardiologist, I speak from the heart," said Dr Sim.
Many still shake their heads at his decision to return from Australia after 17 years to his home state and set up from scratch a full fledged cardiac unit at the Sarawak General Hospital.
"I came back from Australia because I find much more value here. If I had stayed on, I would make like six million a year but I came back to serve the country. I spent 10 years to build up the cardiac unit as a doctor but if I want to do more, I have to go beyond that," he said.
Violet Yong, the opposition DAP incumbent in Pending, is aware of the credentials of her rival but insists the bigger picture in the election is not a fight between individuals but between the BN and the opposition.
Dr Sim disagrees.
"This election is about when CM steps down, do the Chinese have any representation in the government or not," he said, referring to the stated intention of Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to bow out in two or three years.
"We are living in Malaysia and if you are not participating in the government of your own choice, how are you going to get involved later on? How are you going to give your input on resource development and resource sharing?"
Dr Sim said the DAP's pitch to voters to change the Taib-led government was nothing new as the party had asked the chief minister to step down at every election.
"In Malaysia, we believe in transformation change, we don't believe in revolution change. CM has said he is stepping down and stated clearly he wants young people in the succession line," Dr Sim added.
The DAP, which won six Chinese majority seats in 2006, are contesting in 15 this time, posing the main challenge to SUPP, which it hopes to replace as the representative of the Chinese.
Dr Sim said the Chinese must look at the reality that they cannot change the government with just 15 of the 71 seats in the state assembly.
"I always tell people if we miss this chance we have to wait for another 20 years. The CM is already 75, when he steps down, the next generation will come in.
"The choice for the Chinese people is: Do you want to choose to stay outside and remain unhappy that you cannot effect change or do you want to be part of the transformation of BN?" he said.

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55864

Muhyiddin challenges opposition to eradicate poverty in Sarawak

BINTULU, April 9 (Bernama) -- Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Barisan Nasional (BN) government has spent tens of billions of ringgit to eradicate poverty in Sarawak compared with a mere RM1 billion promised by the opposition pact in their manifesto in the Sarawak state election campaign.
The Deputy Prime Minister subsequently challenged the opposition parties to provide a fund of RM10 billion to eradicate poverty in Sarawak.
He said the BN government had reduced poverty in Sarawak to merely three per cent currently compared with 60 to 70 per cent 20 years ago.
"At a glance, the offer (by the opposition) is impressive, if they are truly serious, allocate RM10 billion because we have given tens of billions...more than that," he told reporters after a 30-minute walkabout at the Bintulu Main Market, here today.
He said the establishment of the RM1 billion Poverty Eradication Fund to look after poor families in the manifesto of the Pakatan Rakyat (Opposition Pact) was merely a promise made to win the support of the voters in Sarawak and it could actually not be implemented as was the case in Selangor which is under the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) administration.
Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister, said the 'one-off' payment of RM200 to every primary school pupil entering year one was also lower compared with the free education given by the BN government to primary and secondary school students which cost about RM5,000 each.
"We not only implement...we are committed to development programmes and when we compare the two manifestos, we can see what they (the opposition) are championing and what we (BN) are fighting for. The people should be more sensitive, we don't do anything indiscriminately but we do things based on the policy of continuous development," he said.
On the slogan "change" propagated by the opposition, Muhyiddin said the government had already carried out transformation under its administration which carried a better meaning than "change".
He said the government had not only carried out transformation in politics, but also in terms of administration style in the government and economy.
"(Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul) Taib (Mahmud) has provided a potential successor... he has whispered to me...(to) Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) probably in a more clear manner...so, this means that there will be a young leader with more credibility...this is more important, if we consider in terms of duration, (DAP advisor Lim) Kit Siang, (DAP chairman) Karpal Singh, (Kelantan Menteri Besar) Datuk Seri Nik Aziz (Nik Mat) have been around longer," he said.
Commenting on the support of the Chinese, Muhyiddin advised the Chinese voters to ensure that they had representatives in the BN government at the state level.
"Looking at the trend of support in several by-elections previously, there has been an increase in the support of Chinese voters for the BN," he said.
On the campaign, Muhyidin said the BN would work harder in the election this time and would not take lightly the challenge posed by the opposition.
He said the voters were also reminded not to be easily influenced by the opposition and independent candidates who claimed that they had received BN support at the federal level.
"They don't use the (BN) scale symbol, they use their own symbol. How can we say that they support the BN. This is all a lie," he said.

MySinchew 2011.04.09

 

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55889 

SUPP president has succession plan

MIRI, April 11 (Bernama) -- SUPP president Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam, a favourite target of the DAP, said that he has a succession plan while the opposition party has none.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the DAP should look at its own backyard before poking its nose in the internal affairs of another party.
"Did (DAP Advisor) Lim Kit Siang tell us about his succession plan? How about Karpal (Singh) and the Chongs?," he asked, referring to Sarawak DAP founder Chong Siew and his son, state party secretary Chieng Jien.
"We never ask about their succession plan because we all know that theirs is a dynasty. We don't have a dynasty," he told Bernama.
Chan has helmed the state Barisan Nasional's second largest party since 1996.
the DAP, which faces SUPP in 15 constituencies, has been targeting Chan's leadership of SUPP in its campaign for the state election on Saturday.
"Of course I know who is going to succeed me," Chan said.
" The 300 youth leaders that I have will give me an indication whether I am right or not in my choice.
"It is important that they accept him so the party can go full force(forward)," he added.
MySinchew 2011.04.11

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55955

Do not allow opposition leaders political rhetoric destroy Sarawak- Rais

KANOWIT (Sarawak), April 11(Bernama) -- Sarawakians should not allow political rhetoric of opposition leaders from the peninsula divide or destroy them, said Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Rais Yatim.
He said this was because only they themselves knew what was best for them and the state.
"Opposition leaders like Lim Guan Eng and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim are now coming in and asking the people to change the government. They come to criticise your leaders as if only they are the perfect leaders and their governments the perfect governments," he said at the launching of the Nanga Machan Wi-Fi village, together with the Barisan Nasional candidate for Machan seat, Datuk Gramong Juna, at its community hall near here today.
Rais said having served under the past four prime ministers, he was confident beyond any doubt that current prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would be able to do more for Sarawak in comparison to them.
On Wi-Fi villages, Rais said the government hoped to set up 600 more such villages all over the country within one year in a move to step up Internet accessibility.
Rais said the project was vital to assist the rural students in their studies, and also as an alternative communication for the people.
Rais also said that the government would be reviewing the allowance of its rural postal agents and postmen.

MySinchew 2011.04.12

 

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55973 

Opposition using religion to agitate voters, says DPM

SIBU, April 11 (Bernama) -- Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today that the opposition is playing with fire in using religious sentiment to woo voters.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that he himself had received SMS accusing Barisan Nasional of being anti-Christ and anti-religion.
"I think it would be dangerous for us to let this trend continue. Maybe we can have the authorities investigate who is sending the ill-intentioned SMS," he told reporters after meeting teachers in Sibu here.
"I myself have received the SMS. It's some kind of provocation, accusing us of being anti-Christ. Since when has BN been anti religion. We uphold Rukun Negara (the national ideology which is supportive of relion)," he said.
"They (the opposition) are using the tactic of portraying us as being anti-Christ and anti-Christian, and anti this and anti that. It is a big lie," he said, commenting on the opposition use of the Bible issue in its campaign.
Muhyiddin said that all communities are represented in BN, which has resolved many matters related to religion and race.
He said the opposition was using religion because it offered an easy way to stir emotions.
Asked on the possibility that BN would not be able to retain its two-thirds majority in the 71-seat state assembly, he said: "We don't want to anticipate the outcome."
He believed that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, had been able to make the voters understand the issues.

MySinchew 2011.04.12

 

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55974 

SUPP chief optimistic of election outcome

MIRI, April 11 (Bernama) -- Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said he is hopeful of some "nice surprises" for the party come April 16.
The Deputy Chief Minister OF Sarawak said he was also happy with the party's campaigning so far, adding that the tide of support had turned in favour of SUPP, despite continuous onslaught on the party by the opposition.
He said the party was on a rebound and hoped to wrest back seats it lost in the 2006 election.
SUPP lost six of the 19 seats it contested in 2006 to DAP, and one each to SNAP (Engkelili), PKR (Padungan) and an Independent (Ngemah). Engkelili assemblyman Johnical Rayong later joined SUPP.
"It will be interesting to see the results, there will be some surprises. Nice surprises for me, I hope.
"The opposition peaked too early, the tide is turning to our side now. We are working together as a force more than before," he told Bernama when met at the Miri International Airport here, today.

MySinchew 2011.04.12

 

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55976 

Don't go overboard in campaigning, says Hishammuddin

KUCHING, April 11 (Bernama) -- Parties contesting in the Sarawak state election were should not go overboard in their campaigning, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.
He said the reminder was not only directed at opposition parties but also the Barisan Nasional election machinery.
"Lies, slander and spreading hate are alien culture to the people of Sarawak. I hope Sarawakians will not fall for these but vote wisely come polling day (April 16)," he told reporters here today.
Hishammuddin, however, said overall campaigning in the election was going smoothly since nomination day on April 6.
He added that he had instructed police to give extra attention to constituencies deemed "hot seats".

MySinchew 2011.04.12

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55982

Opposition desperate, banking on personal attacks, says SUPP chief

MIRI, April 8 (Bernama) -- The opposition's tactic of waging personal attacks against Sarawak leaders shows they are very desperate to win votes in the state election, said Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Tan Sri Dr George Chan.
He said the Barisan Nasional had already expected the opposition to bank on this tactic as they did not have any hard issues to raise.
"This only shows their cowardice and they are running out of issues," he told a press conference at SUPP's Miri office here today.
He was asked to comment on an alleged opposition tactic of circulating SMS messages aimed at tarnishing the image of Sarawak BN chairman and Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Dr Chan said the public should doubt the allegations made by the opposition as they failed to substantiate them with facts.
On the opposition's claim that the state government practiced favouritism in alienating land for large oil palm plantation projects, he said it had never been the case.
He said the government encouraged companies with proven financial capability to embark on large oil palm plantations so that they could build palm oil mills, which would also benefit small-holders as they would be able to sell their produce to the mills.
"If we were to appoint small companies, they will not have the money to build the mills and who will be at a loss? Surely the smallholders as well," he added.

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55833

Sarawak polls: campaigning to heat up over weekend

KUCHING, April 8 (Bernama) -- The intense campaigning in the 10th Sarawak state election will heat up further over the next two days, the final weekend before polling on April 16.
Candidates from the main political parties and supporters will be making a beeline to markets, local tamus (weekend markets) and eating centres to court votes for the 71 seats at stake.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who arrived in Sibu this evening to boost the BN campaign, will also be in Bintulu tomorrow where he is scheduled to launch Pusat Prasekolah Sedidik SEDC (a pre-schooling centre) at the Saik Ak Jaya longhouse.
Muhyiddin, who is BN deputy chairman, is also scheduled to head for the Bintulu main market and Balai Raya Sebauh to meet locals.
The push for votes is taking place amid much rancour between the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), the representative of the Chinese community in the state Barisan Nasional (BN) and the DAP.
The two parties are locked in battle to be the flagbearer of the Chinese community. They are in battle for 15 seats including 12 Chinese-majority constituencies.
The BN had fired the first salvo in the manifesto war, unveiling yesterday a nine-point plan and pledge to place Sarawak on track to become the richest state in Malaysia.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud chose the heavily Chinese-populated city of Sibu to launch the manifesto that outlined among others, the BN's focus on creating more business opportunities, land rights guarantee, job creation, education opportunities, improved living for the poor and preservation of the multi-cultural heritage in the state.
The DAP, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and PAS unveiled a joint manifesto today under its tagline "Sarawak 4Change", leaving out the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) following the latter's fallout over seats with PKR.
The local-based SNAP has decided to leave it to their 26 candidates to distribute a two-page manifesto which traced the party's history and pledge to address native customary rights land issues and ensure a fairer job and business atmosphere.
"We had prepared a massive one but who will read so many pages? We have an abridged version which has been distributed to our candidates," said SNAP secretary-general Stanley Jugol when contacted.
In KUCHING, where the SUPP is seeking to retake Padungan, Pending, Batu Lintang and Kota Sentosa, and defend Batu Kawah, the party's five candidates would be working together as a team, said first timer and well-known cardiologist Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim, who is fielded in Pending, which has the biggest electorate of 29,488 voters, has set up a website www.realheart.com.my to outline his promise of "real heart, real action, real change.
"Give us five years and we will show you our report card," he said when met during his lunch break at Kenyalang Park, a mixed commercial area.
In Miri, the home of SUPP president Tan Sri Dr George Chan, party veteran Datuk Lee Kim Shin slammed the "Sarawak4Change" slogan, saying the opposition themselves were not practising change themselves and preferred to hurl baseless accusations, especially against the SUPP.
Speaking to Bernama after witnessing the opening of a covered walkway at the Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Tudan, he said the school was just one of the many examples of SUPP's work all these years to provide more education facilities.
"SJKC Tudan and all these have been built by SUPP. Not a single cent, not a single 'batu' (pebble) from them (opposition). All they do is talk and talk. Before they ask people to change, they should themselves change and not be a no action party," said Lee who is seeking a fourth term in Senadin.
State police chief Datuk Mohmad Salleh said today police had approved 200 ceramah permits and the big number reflected the record 213 candidates contesting.
A check with the Election Commission indicated that none of the candidates, including 41 independents, had sought to withdraw so far.
The deadline to do so is midnight tomorrow.

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55835

Change first before asking others, Senadin incumbent tells opposition

MIRI, April 8 (Bernama) -- Barisan Nasional incumbent for the Senadin seat Datuk Lee Kim Shin today took a potshot at the opposition's slogan of "Sarawak For Change" which he said opposition parties were not practising themselves.
Rather than working for the betterment of the people, he said the opposition preferred to continue with their empty talk and hurl baseless accusations particularly against his party, the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP).
Speaking to Bernama after witnessing the opening of a covered walkway at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Tudan here, he said the school was just one of the many examples of SUPP's work all these years to provide more education facilities.
"SJKC Tudan and all these have been built by SUPP. Not a single cent, not a single 'batu' (pebble) from them (opposition). All they do is talk and talk. Before they ask people to change, they should themselves change and not be a no action party," he said.
He said the opposition could have done better than talking or making excuses that they could not help in the building of schools because they were not in the government.
"They can still raise funds but they have not done anything," he added.
Lee, who is vying for a fourth term after first winning the Senadin seat in 1996, will face PKR's Miri chairman Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng in the April 16 Sarawak state election.
Meanwhile, Miri Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui, said the establishment of SJKC Tudan was the result of Lee's hardwork since he became the assemblyman for Senadin in 1996.
He said the presence of the school had not only benefited Chinese children in the fast-growing constituency but had also opened up education opportunities for non-Chinese children in the area.
"About 50 per cent of the children in this school are bumiputeras and this goes to show that Chinese education is well accepted by all here," he added.
Chin, who is also Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister, said the federal and state governments had also contributed a lot for the school.

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55838

Opposition pact unveils its manifesto for Sarawak election

SIBU, April 8 (Bernama) -- The opposition today unveiled a manifesto with the theme "Sarawak for Change" simultenously in Kuching and Sibu, with the PKR-DAP-PAS pact reiterating previous promises.
In Sibu, DAP Sarawak chairman Wong Ho Leng represented the opposition pact in revealing the 10 points of the manifesto, including freedom of belief, good governance, land reform, eradication of poverty and federal-state relations.
The manifesto also touches on the need for a greener Sarawak, a fair deal for all Sarawakians, culture and education, the rights of women and those with special needs, and investment in the future.
The opposition says it will guarantee freedom of religion and maintain the status of Sarawak as a secular state, and promises good governance based on competency, accountability and transparency.
It pledges a fair distribution of the state's wealth and the setting up of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of ill-gotten wealth.
In the manifesto, the opposition promises to appoint an ombudsman to receive complaints from the public against corruption and power abuse by government ministers and heads of department, and to restore local government elections.
New promises contained in the manifesto are that all expiring leases will be unconditionally renewed for 99 years, all notifications under section 47 of the state land code will automatically lapse after two years of being gazetted, and all in perpetuity land titles and 999-year leases will remain when land is approved for development.
The manifesto also promises that land alienation will be carried out through open tender and a native land commission be formed to investigate native customary rights land claims.
It promises to set up a RM1 billion state poverty alleviation fund and kick-start the rural economy by constructing roads to connect all interior areas.
The opposition pact says it will increase the petroleum royalty from the present five to 20 per cent, stop the construction of excess dams, and forbid the building of nuclear powered plants in Sarawak.
The manifesto promises the immediate registration of stateless Sarawakians and unconditional granting of citizenship papers to all Malaysians of Sarawak origin, and pledges a grant of RM200 for every child of Sarawak origin beginning primary one education.
The opposition partnership promises "systematic allocations" according to needs to all schools regardless of background.
It also promises to tackle flood problems in Sarawak in two years and provide free high speed broadband service or WIFI.
Also present at the unveiling of the manifesto was PKR vice-president Datuk Chua Jui Meng and the party's communication director, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

Source: http://www.mysinchew.com/node/55839