POLITICAL activities throughout Sarawak continue to run on top gear despite the high rates of daily Covid-19 transmissions and deaths caused by the Delta variant of the virus.
According to numerous sources, the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition has already stepped up their campaigning measures within the rural parts of the state.
It is learnt that representatives from GPS coalition parties have been generously handing out financial grants to numerous community organisations, religious groups, schools, business associations, ethnic bodies, and other related bodies.
A source within the GPS fold speaking on the condition of anonymity said a huge allocation of money have been dispensed so far for the purpose, with more expected to be distributed in the coming weeks.
While GPS runs on its financial handout campaign, the opposition parties are also hitting the ground running even though their movements are not as widespread.
Among the opposition parties in Sarawak, Parti Sarawak Bersatu is the most active on the ground. I was told that the party’s machinery has been seen visiting numerous longhouses and is apparently matching GPS in terms of financial strength.
Another opposition party – Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) – has also hit the ground running.
The party’s workers will be organising a massive gathering of the Dayak community in Sibu next month. Additionally, PBDSB has been carrying out political roadshows throughout the rural communities with special emphasis on Dayak longhouses.
Peninsular-based coalition Perikatan Nasional (PN) are also putting a spring in their step with Sarawak Bersatu and PAS making their presence felt in the Malay settlements in the districts of Samarahan, Santubong, Samariang, Asajaya, Bekenu, Sibuti, Niah, Limbang, and Lawas.
The move by PN’s newly established state chapter in the state’s political scene has generated angry responses from GPS.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), a component party of GPS, had openly criticised Perikatan Nasional for setting up office in the state. PRS Youth chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan reportedly said the setting up of PN Sarawak is akin to confronting GPS.
He also insisted that GPS will not allow PN parties any chance to contest in the 12th state elections.
“Leave Sarawak to GPS.
“We know our own state better than Malaya-based parties,” he had said.
With the establishment of PN Sarawak as an official entity, the political buzz continues to heighten up in anticipation of the long due state elections.
How will the politicians from every side of the political divide handle the campaigning despite the high number of Covid-19 cases in the country ?
Sarawakians are obviously concerned by the high rate of Covid-19 cases, which has consistently been in the four-digits for the past two months.
Since August 1 until now, there have been about 80,000 new infections, plus more than 300 deaths recorded in Sarawak. As of yesterday evening, the cumulative coronavirus death toll stands at 749 while the cumulative number of positive cases stands at 196,146.
Will the campaigning and election preparations result in further infections and deaths for the state? Will a repeat of mass Covid-19 infections post-Sabah elections happen again?
Sarawakians can only watch with increasing anxiety. – The Vibes, September 26, 2021
