The results show that DAP has hit BN Sarawak the hardest, doubling its seats in this election, and it is likely that the pace will get hotter from hereforth. PKR has also gained two extra seats, notably Krian clinching a surprise win.
Final tally with all results in: BN - 55, DAP - 12, PKR - 3, Ind - 1.
Congratulations to all winners! Well done to all campaigners and supporters!
I am no political analyst but I opine that the results could have been better if not for a few factors.
1. The DAP-PKR spat
It was not a good sign when DAP and PKR fought over seat allocations, namely N9 Padungan, N13 Batu Kawah, N25 Balai Ringin, N63 Piasau and N65 Senadin. Did such a scenario affect public opinion of PKR and affected its performance?
2. The PAS Factor
I expected PAS to lose 100% because of the lottery issue, Valentine's Day issue and the banning of concerts (plus other issues which may have slipped my mind). Sarawak has a high percentage of Christians and it is likely that such developments did not go down well with the electorate. Perhaps PAS might want to explore the separation of politics from religion.
3. The DVD allegations
Some reported that the dvd of the alleged tryst in a hotel room made its rounds in certain parts of the state. I believe that there was some damage caused by this development.
4. The Putrajaya Presence
For six days, our PM and DPM plus their entourage were in Sarawak campaigning. The promises of infrastructure development and other areas obviously worked to their advantage.
5. Disruption of various websites
This affected dissemination of information and might have rattled those who were depending on these sites for support.
6. Nature of the electorate
Read this report to understand how difficult it is for PR to defeat BN. It said:
43% Christians + 56% natives + 5% poverty rate = ? As the population profile in Sarawak is unique, issues that will likely be played up include the‘Bible’ issue, the ‘native customary rights’ problems, Taib’s alleged immense wealth and the skewed wealth distribution.
BN will likely lose more seats but unlikely the two thirds majority. BN currently has 87% of the Sarawak state seats. We believe BN will lose more seats but will unlikely lose the two thirds majority. BN will need to lose 24 seats to fall below the ‘two thirds majority’ in Sarawak. This suggests that BN will hold the General Elections in 2012 (not 2011), which is good news for the stock market, as the government will have to continue spending.
While those with net connection understand key issues at hand, we must remember that many in the interior do not. Their needs are not the same as ours and those who can meet those needs, are more likely to garner their support.
7. Has Pakatan Rakyat made inroads?
Both BN and PR have differing views.
The Malaysian Insider reported HERE that:
Flushed with its historic 12-seat victory in Malaysia’s biggest state tonight, the DAP has declared boldly that Sarawak is no longer the ruling Barisan Nasional’s (BN) fixed deposit as the prime minister mulls nationwide polls ahead of its 2013 expiry.
Despite failing to block the BN from winning back its traditional two-thirds control in the oil-rich state and having its Islamist partner in the opposition, the DAP and PKR made major inroads in the 71-seat state legislative assembly.
“This is the biggest setback for the Barisan Nasional. Sarawak is no longer the fixed deposit for the Barisan Nasional,” party adviser, Lim Kit Siang told a news conference here tonight.
He remarked that PR’s collective 16 seats mark the biggest defeat faced by the BN’s Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud in his 30-year career as Sarawak chief minister.
At the same time, it also reported HERE that:
Barisan Nasional’s (BN) victory in the Sarawak state election is proof that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has failed to make any major inroads in the hornbill state, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said tonight.
“Despite whatever Pakatan has thrown at us, through its election campaigns and alternative media, it is clear that voters do not accept PR.
“They have tried to create a political tsunami in Sarawak, but they have failed,” the prime minister told reporters here during a press conference at the Putra World Trade Center (PWTC).
8. The TV3 Interview
Did the TV3 interview with RPK impact the elections? I don't really think so as evidenced by the results of the urban constituencies who have net penetration. But, I believe it posed some elements of distraction to the political landscape.
9. The Leadership
I hate to say this but Pakatan Rakyat needs to revamp its leadership. It has failed to present itself as a viable coalition that is capable of leading the country. Of course DAP achieved victories but look at PAS and PKR. I doubt there has been a time when the three groups REALLY worked together.
I blame it on the leader of the coalition who has not been able to deal with matters in his own party and to draw the PR component parties together on a united platform. Gradually, each component did its own thing thereby weakening its ties. Fighting over seat allocation was a clear indication of the lack of unity.
On top of that, have they groomed the next-in-line to take over or are they depending on old, tired and drained leaders who have their own baggage to carry?
Until and unless they deal with internal issues, it will be very difficult to realize their dreams.
While many may rejoice at the victory of DAP, I believe NO ONE can rest on their laurels.
The PM said they need to build on this momentum, what’s important is to maintain support so that it can be translated in the next general elections. He said that BN would keep all its election promises and implement them soon.
BN has $$$ and PR does not. BN has the machinery and PR does not.
I am being realistic and not idealistic here. If PR wants to win big time in the next GE, PR MUST ensure that there is a capable leader who can propel the party forward, establish unity, vision and confirm their mission for this country.
Mere bashing of BN will not work. People can come for ceramahs to be entertained but at the end of the day vote the other side. Why? The leaders must conduct post mortems to find the reasons for the gap.
At this point, no one can be too elated. In fact, they should be more worried as the going will get tougher from now. Every leader will try to improve their performance and track record for the next GE. No more fighting or putting out bush fires, please.
Will their dreams die or will they press on to improve in areas of weakness to make those dreams come true?
The answer lies within the leaders of PR and every single one of us.
Tiger If Najib is so confident, pls call for GE next month then.