Choose wisely come next state polls, Baru says in Sarawak Day message

 

Former works minister Baru Bian said many Sarawakians are now longing for the time before the federation because there is too much unfairness on social and political issues in the country which affects the state.

Thus, he said, people should vote wisely when next given a chance in the state election, which has been postponed from this year under the proclamation of emergency issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“It is obvious to us now as we face the Covid-19 pandemic, that being shackled to the federal government’s policies and decisions is not doing Sarawakians any favours.

“Covid-19 is a runaway train in Malaysia and the government has no control over it. People’s lives are in tatters and the economy is in shambles.

“Our elections will be held soon. I urge all Sarawakians who long for a better and stronger Sarawak to make it their personal responsibility to choose wisely,” Baru (above) said in his Sarawak Day message today.

This came as more people are becoming vocal about regaining their rights under the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63), which the Selangau MP said has been “violated for many years” by the federal government.

He said Sarawakians can really appreciate the advantages of having their own autonomous powers and sovereign rights from Putrajaya, which would empower the state to chart its own course in terms of public health and economic recovery from the pandemic.

“If we had a sovereign wealth fund that was applied wisely and judiciously, no Sarawakian would have needed to fly the white flag,” Baru added. 

The Ba’ Kelalan assemblyperson said the violation of Sarawakians’ rights relating to matters like native customary rights (NCR), religious beliefs, and the MA63 is in stark contrast to the people there who coexisted harmoniously with full acceptance of all others.

Noting that the present time is a critical juncture, he said Sarawakians are given the opportunity to elect leaders and political parties that can establish a truly “Fair Land Sarawak”, referring to the former state anthem which was eventually replaced in 1973.

“What we all long for of the yesteryears can be achieved again only if we chose the right people to lead this beloved state of Sarawak,” he said.

Baru, who was elected under the PKR banner in both his parliamentary and state seats left the party during last year's Sheraton Move and ultimately crossed over to United Sarawak Party (PSB).  - Mkini