PR, not BN, should do post-mortem on Sibu
by Jauhari Alang, Kuching
Despite the millions of ringgit promised, it is now clear that voters in East of Malaysia, long regarded as 'vulnerable', have been misunderstood by West Malaysians.
The win, although narrow, is certainly historic, as Sibu has been traditionally a BN stronghold, as are many other constituencies. However, Pakatan Rakyat should not rest in their laurels.
In fact, more than the BN, PR parties should do a post-mortem of their victory. Is the win indicative of the Chinese's continued support of PR or rejection of the BN? What are the factors that have made these Chinese voters reject the BN?
These should be studied and made lessons for PR. Already, some mistakes are committed by some PR leaders once they are in the state governments. As such, the same mistakes cannot be repeated in Sarawak, where securing support from its once hardcore BN supporters has never been easy.
Having said that, PR should do a post-mortem of its win and find ways how to attract more support from the other communities such as the Iban and Melanaus.
Depending on the support of only one community is no good news for democracy in a multi-racial country. I am worried that the trend is becoming more racialised, unlike in 2008 when all races voted for the opposition in various states.
Despite the millions of ringgit promised, it is now clear that voters in East of Malaysia, long regarded as 'vulnerable', have been misunderstood by West Malaysians.
The win, although narrow, is certainly historic, as Sibu has been traditionally a BN stronghold, as are many other constituencies. However, Pakatan Rakyat should not rest in their laurels.
In fact, more than the BN, PR parties should do a post-mortem of their victory. Is the win indicative of the Chinese's continued support of PR or rejection of the BN? What are the factors that have made these Chinese voters reject the BN?
These should be studied and made lessons for PR. Already, some mistakes are committed by some PR leaders once they are in the state governments. As such, the same mistakes cannot be repeated in Sarawak, where securing support from its once hardcore BN supporters has never been easy.
Having said that, PR should do a post-mortem of its win and find ways how to attract more support from the other communities such as the Iban and Melanaus.
Depending on the support of only one community is no good news for democracy in a multi-racial country. I am worried that the trend is becoming more racialised, unlike in 2008 when all races voted for the opposition in various states.
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