MIRI – News has it that state ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is channelling large amounts of financial and material aid to the interior of Sarawak in hopes of winning the hearts and minds of the people.
State PKR information chief Abun Sui told The Vibes that the handouts are “voter enticements” in conjunction with the 12th Sarawak election.
“Looks like GPS is going all out in trying to win the hearts of rural voters in Sarawak.
“The ground information we received from the grassroot community said that a large amount of financial and material aid was being distributed by GPS representatives.
“This is happening in settlements throughout the rural frontiers.
“It shows that GPS is once again trying to secure rural votes.
“Rural votes have been the key factor that enabled Sarawak Barisan Nasional to retain power for so long.
“GPS, which is the new brand for Sarawak BN, is doing the same thing again, enticing rural voters,” he said.
Sui, who is a lawyer based here, said Sarawak PKR is countering the enticement by telling people in the rural areas to realise GPS’ true intention.
“We tell the rural folk that when GPS gives monetary or material aid, the villagers must accept out of courtesy but they must not be obliged to vote for GPS in return.
“They must vote based on their freedom of choice, not based on enticements,” he said.
On the date of the state election, Sui said that it will likely be called next month.
GPS controls 68 out of the 82 state constituencies in Sarawak.
The term of the state legislative assembly ended on June 6, paving the way for the 12th state election within 60 days of its expiry but a localised emergency, which was imposed in the state by the Agong has postponed the election due to the severity of the Covid-19 infections.
The emergency expires on February 1, next year.
However, it has been reported that GPS chairman Datuk Abang Johari Openg as chief minister will petition the Agong to lift the emergency prior to its expiration paving the way for the dissolution of the state assembly to be officially gazetted.
The Election Commission will then set the dates for nomination and balloting. – The Vibes, October 14, 2021
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