KUALA LUMPUR – For the first time since 1974, the “dacing” (scales) logo of Barisan Nasional (BN) will not make an appearance at the Sarawak election.
BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the coalition has informed its ally Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), led by caretaker chief minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, of the decision.
“There has been talk saying BN will not take part in the election. This is indeed our stand,” he told a press conference in Sarawak today, which was aired live on Facebook.
“Officially, I have relayed the party’s decision to (Abang Johari) that for the first time, BN will not participate in the Sarawak polls.”
Mohamad said BN will instead only be giving moral support to GPS, and expressed confidence that the Borneo-based coalition will be able to pull off a victory in the December 18 election on its own.
Since BN’s formalisation in 1974, component parties in Sarawak have traditionally contested under the coalition banner and have maintained a 100% track record in securing victory in state elections.
In the last state polls in 2016, despite BN being tainted by allegations of corruption at the federal level, its Sarawak parties managed to capture 72 of the 82 seats on offer, a 87.8% seat victory that outperformed its performance in 2011, when they won 55 of the 71 seats (77.5%).
However, as BN lost the 2018 general election to Pakatan Harapan at the federal level, the four Sarawak component parties decided to abandon the coalition and formed GPS.
Mohamad said although GPS is no longer part of BN, the two entities still share a close and cordial relationship.
He added that since BN will not be contesting in the election, this means no parties or individuals will also be allowed to use its logo, amid talk some quarters might contest under its banner in a bid to cause confusion.
He urged the people of Sarawak to give their mandate to GPS and ensure a comfortable majority, in order to guarantee stability in the state.
Asked if BN will be helping in campaigning, Mohamad said this will not be the case at the moment, as the coalition trusts in GPS’ ability to capture victory on its own, particularly looking at its long history of administering the state.
On how strict standard operating procedures in Sarawak could hinder campaigning, particularly in rural areas with poor access to the internet, Mohamad said: “I feel the new SOPs must take local consideration.”
“It can’t be like the Melaka election. Melaka is compact, so it was easy. Sarawak is a bit difficult, especially as many areas don’t even have internet access.
“I hope the Election Commission (EC) will have SOPs that take this into consideration. Here, physical campaigning is much needed. And I am confident the EC will do the necessary,” he said.
Sarawak heads to the polls on December 18, with nomination day on December 6 and early voting on December 14. – The Vibes, December 4, 2021
