Sarawak polls a lesson to the opposition, says Sarawak activist

 

Peter John Jaban, the founder of Saya Anak Sarawak, said chief minister Abang Johari Openg had been given a clear mandate to implement extensive reforms.

KUCHING: The resounding victory of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GSP) in the state elections should be a lesson for the opposition, says a veteran activist.

Peter John Jaban, the founder of Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS), said this was a time for them to come together and not descend into bickering as well as self-promotion.“A strong opposition is the foundation of a healthy democracy.

“The people need representatives who can lead them into the next era, who can deliver greater autonomy that the electorate wants and who can use their power for the good of the people,” he said in a statement.

Peter said the victory of GPS had provided chief minister Abang Johari Openg a very clear mandate.

“Such a decisive victory allows Abang Johari to implement extensive reforms.

“These are long overdue and he is in a strong position to provide them over the next four years,” he said.

Despite the huge win, Peter added that the “old ways” of politics cannot be practised any more with social media and Undi18 taking effect, which would be major factors in future elections.

He said the state government had been given the next four years to bring a “transparent, clean and representative” political culture that the people needed.

“This is a prerequisite for a successful state with greater autonomy. Abang Johari himself is now the representative of a rural seat, riven by land rights issues.

“It is time to set things right. The people have given him great trust. He now has four years to live up to it,” he said.

Last night, it was reported that GPS had won 75 out of 82 seats while PSB and DAP won four and two seats respectively. The results for the Mulu seat are still pending. - FMT