KUCHING – The DAP candidate for the Kota Sentosa state constituency is urging voters to come out and cast their ballots during the Sarawak election on December 18.
Michael Kong, who filed his nomination papers today at the Kota Sentosa nomination centre, said the biggest challenge facing his candidacy is low voter turnout.
“A low voter turnout means a lesser chance of winning for the candidates, especially in a multi-cornered fight,” he said to The Vibes.
Kong is embroiled in a five-cornered tussle with Parti Sarawak Bersatu’s Datuk John Lau Pang Heng, 69; Sarawak United Peoples’ Party’s Wilfred Yap, 55; Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak’s Tan Kok Chiang, 48; and Parti Bumi Kenyalang’s Lue Cheng Hing, 57.
“I am afraid people might be reluctant to leave their homes to go to the polling stations, firstly out of fear of catching the Covid-19 virus, especially the latest new variant Omicron, which is very much in the news now, and secondly, many outstation voters might not be able to return home to vote due to costly airfares, especially those from West Malaysia.”
He said another challenge facing candidates everywhere is the strict standard operating procedures and election guidelines drawn up by the Election Commission.
“We will look into other forms of campaigning including leaflets to residential areas and also through social media,” he said.
“But these alternatives may not be so effective as face-to-face meetings in walkabouts or speeches in ceramah settings.
“However, I hope the people will understand the need to come out and vote as we need a proper government in Sarawak because it is the voice of the people in the Sarawak legislative assembly that will fan the sentiments for issues to be brought to Parliament on a federal level.
“If we do not come out to vote, it is as good as giving the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) a free pass,” he said.
Asked about voter sentiment towards the party and Pakatan Harapan (PH), he said some people are generally disappointed over the performance of the opposition coalition during its 22 months in power.
“I admit we could have done things better but that is not due to a want of trying.
“Voters must also start to understand and see for themselves how a bad government could spell disaster for the people of the state.
“The simple fact that prices of goods are soaring when people are suffering financially proves this.
“I hope people do not give up on a better Sarawak because of the devious political manoeuvring by GPS and their partners,” he added. – The Vibes, December 6, 2021
