A slew of federal ministers, including Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, landed in the quiet town of Bintulu over the weekend to inaugurate the party's foray into Sarawak.
Throughout the decades Umno had never spread its wings to Sarawak.
The two-year-old Bersatu would be considered as a direct contender to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB). The former BN member is the current “big brother” in the state-based coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Malaysiakini speaks to several locals to gauge their sentiment and to determine if Bersatu could pose a threat to the protracted political status quo.
A 45-year-old Iban trader, who wished to be known only as Linda (photo below), welcomed the move.
“I think it is good to have Bersatu here, now we can have a choice. Some leaders have been in the government for too long and it is better to see a change in Sarawak,” she said.
However, Beena (photo below), a Malay trader, who sells the famous Bintulu belacan (prawn paste) disagreed.
She questioned Bersatu's intention of coming to Sarawak.
“I do not know what is their intention. It is great to see Tun (Mahathir) visit Bintulu but for Bersatu to be in Sarawak, I do not know much about them.
“I only hear that Bersatu is a part of Pakatan Harapan but I am unsure what the party stands for,” added the 56-year-old trader.
Beena also spoke fondly about the late chief minister Adenan Satem who frequented the Pasar Tamu market to purchase groceries and belacan.
"Tok Nan (Adenan) would always visit this market when he was the chief minister. He was humble and respected by all. It is unfortunate that we have lost a good leader like him," she added.
Another trader, who wished to be known only as Connie (photo below), said she had voted for change in the last general election.
“People wanted to see change for the better, it is not for the sake of changing (the government). We wanted better governance.
"It doesn't matter whether they are Peninsular-based or Sarawak-based, leaders must have integrity and accountability. They must be 'bersih' (clean)," she added.
The Sarawak Bersatu launch was also attended by several Grab drivers.
One of them, Kalom Ujak, a local Iban, told Malaysiakini that it is good for Sarawakians to have a choice in the next state election.
"I think it is good for us. We now have more options rather than making that one single choice for all these years.
"I do not know much about Bersatu. I'm not sure whether Sarawakians can accept them yet but we will see in time. It is too early to judge at the moment," he added.
In the 2016 state election, the then BN won 72 of the 82 seats. However, the May 9 general election saw an unprecedented swing in support with regard to parliament seats.
The question is, will Bersatu and Pakatan Harapan be able to replicate this in the state election? -Mkini
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