Of Sarawak and all things big

Last Tuesday night was spent channel surfing in front of the telly. The anticipation of my beloved Manchester United squaring off to Chelsea in EUFA Champion’s League quarterfinals ensured that sleep was not forthcoming.

As I flicked through the channels, a scene caught my attention thus ensuring that I set down the remote and watched the program. Playing on the tube was an episode on Desperate Housewives, which wasn’t my usual entertainment fare.

What caught my attention was when the scene unfolded over the issue of a character’s manhood size. Being somewhat self conscious of his average life, Tom was unhappy that his wife Lynette didn’t brag about how huge his “sausage” was to her friends when they discussed their nocturnal activities.

What struck me then was how obsessed we all are with things “big”.

Humor me and read on to see what I’m referring to.

It was said that the results of the State Elections would be the gauge for national sentiments on the two biggest protagonists of the Malaysian political scene, the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional (BN) and their rivals, Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

It is said that this is the biggest challenge facing Sarawak BN since the infamous Ming Court Affair of 1987. That cannot be further from the truth. This is the biggest challenge ever for Sarawak BN period.

In 1987, the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Taib Mahmud faced a revolt from within the coalition led by the now defunct Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS). As such, the issue was in a way, confined to political leaders in Sarawak.

Fast forward 24 years later, Taib is facing a wave of discontent for not only long overstaying his welcome, but also for allegedly plundering Sarawak to fill his coffers. If his detractors are to be believed, Taib is said to be the richest man in the country by a country mile.

Also, BN’s ability to win almost all the seats contested in the 2008 General Elections in the state ensured that PR had set their sights long ago. That fact is not lost on BN leaders as the PM himself said that Sarawak was one of BN’s “fixed deposit” ensuring that control of the federal government remained in their hands.

Sarawakians are spoiled for choice on functions to attend in the past month or so. We’ve seen the PM, DPM and their Cabinet as well as other BN leaders flying in to lead the charm offensive. Not wanting to be outdone, leaders of PR are following suit albeit with less media coverage.

Both sides are rolling out the numbers, facts and figures. We have BN talking about the development they’ve brought about through the years and of greater things to come with a caveat. That they remain in power.

On the other side of the divide, we have PR clamoring for change. And along with the clarion call for change, they’ve promised a lot of goodies for Sarawakians. Amongst others a fund totalling RM1 billion for the Dayaks. Their condition is similar to BN. That they gain power instead of BN.

Lots and lots of promises and commitments are being thrown around this elections. Projects that had been left KIV for yonks are suddenly dusted and approved verbally during speeches. Christmas must have come early and it would appear that Sarawak is the convergence point of many Santa Clauses giving goodies to the state in abundance.

I’m struck by the many “big” promises. Big projects. Big development. Big money. All in exchange for that cross on the ballot paper this Saturday.

The irony is not lost when some would say that size matters. I’m no expert but hey, size without substance, staying power, experience and technique would make it a lesser experience no?

So, maybe the politicians should stop promising the heavens to Sarawakians and instead focus on the real issues that affect them. The “small’ issues. The miniscule ones that most politicians take for granted. We don’t need more big projects like SCORE or Bakun when the masses are struggling to have 3 square meals a day.

The focus should be on micro economy as well as education to allow the people a way out of poverty not bigger buildings and even bigger investments on projects that would eventually die a slow, painful death. Remember Sama Jaya FIZ? I’m sure that most if not all would call it a failure despite all the fanfare and promise bandied about some 15 years back.

That said, the focus should not merely stop at the two points stated above. Too many politicians are missing the point when unveiling their next grand initiative. I was left shaking my head when a Cabinet minister proudly handed a netbook to a Penan man in the hinterlands of rural Sarawak.

Is that not misplaced priorities when the Penan community are largely IT ignorant? And don’t even get me started on the electricity supply issue. Then again, what do I know about political maneuvering and grandstanding?

As such, I implore my fellow Sarawakians to make a wise decision when crossing the ballot paper this Saturday. The one vote that you and me are entitled to may seem insignificant at best but that cannot be further from the truth.

The whole nation would be waiting with bated breath this Saturday as the results begin to come in. Our decision could herald a new dawn not only for our beloved state but also for the country. Can you imagine a future where our leaders are lead by following the wishes of the people? Where decisions are made purely for the benefit of the people?

Can you imagine a future where Malaysians are freed from the shackles of oppression on the basis of race or religion? Where Dayaks are no longer considered “second class Bumiputeras”? Where there’s equal opportunity for everyone to succeed? To top notch education?

Let Sarawakians show the way. Let’s show everyone how we embrace the diversity that makes us uniquely Malaysians. Let’s be the catalyst for change. Let’s take the lead towards a better tomorrow.

And if we believe in that, it will not remain a dream any longer. It could be a reality as early as this weekend. Now a dream as big of that, I can fathom and don’t mind.

* David Martin is now sitting at the departure lounge of KLIA as he’s writing this. He’s waiting for his flight to be called for boarding to return to Sarawak. He promised himself since last year that come hell or high water, he’d be back for the 10th State Elections to cast the single vote he’s allocated by the Constitution.