By Social Activist Salman Nurillah
KOTA KINABALU; Amid the hustle and bustle of the Islamic community observing fasting, discussions about politics, particularly the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election, remain vibrant, with the election expected to take place anytime before October this year.
The community, especially Chinese voters, continues to express their views, positions, and perceptions regarding whether the current state government led by GRS will maintain its governance after the 17th election.
Among those who still believe in GRS’s influence, there exists a segment of undecided voters who feel that local party sentiments will be a key factor in garnering support and votes in the upcoming election.
Unlike the previous 16th election, voices are now emerging (overheard) in Chinese coffee shops where voters are saying, “Kita mahu undi itu Perahu oh ini kali”
(We want to support Warisan this time), indicating that the decision of the local party Warisan to contest independently in the election is capturing their attention.
Surveys conducted to gauge the perceptions and stances of voters, particularly those in the Chinese community who typically support DAP, reveal a growing inclination towards supporting Parti Warisan as a formidable challenger to GRS, which should not be underestimated.
Several Chinese voters interviewed shared that their shift towards Parti Warisan is not due to a dislike for their usual party of support, but rather as a reminder that their voices should not be overlooked.
They believe that the issue of corruption is becoming increasingly severe, despite the GRS leaders’ denials. They feel that voters should have the power to change the political landscape, and corruption should not be taken lightly.
Additionally, they argue that while Chinese voters typically lean towards DAP candidates, it does not guarantee their support for DAP, as other parties, such as Warisan, also present Chinese candidates and are recognised as a “Multi-Racial Party.”
This situation provides them with more opportunities to cast their votes for candidates other than DAP, especially since DAP seems to have lost its enthusiasm or fangs in combating corruption, a cause they championed prior to the 15th General Election.
In other words, there is a crisis of confidence in DAP’s commitment to fighting corruption and abuse of power, which they previously claimed to uphold.
They also believe that the efforts of the Warisan party, which clearly opposes corruption, are particularly relevant given the current actions of several GRS assembly members.
They also mentioned that they are now more inclined to support Warisan’s cause rather than DAP or MCA, especially if BN fields a Chinese candidate, similar to previous elections.
When examining the voting scenario for the Chinese electorate in Sarawak, it is evident that they do not have the option to vote for a DAP candidate but can choose a Chinese candidate from SUPP.
If this reflects the perceptions of Chinese voters in the state, Warisan has a promising opportunity to gain support from the Chinese community by presenting a suitable candidate who is widely accepted and free from negative perceptions related to corruption and abuse of power
