‘Good vibes’ for PAS in Sarawak
(Harakah Daily) – KUCHING, Apr 7: Compared to the last state elections in 2006, there has been positive development as far as voters’ acceptance towards PAS is concerned, according to PAS leaders.
PAS president Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang, saying the outlook looked very positive, expressed confidence that the party, which had never won any seat in East Malaysia, could finally win its first seat in Sarawak.
His comments followed a survey on voter sentiments in five state seats PAS will be contesting: Beting Maro, Sebuyau, Sadong Jaya, Muara Tuan and Tanjong Datu.
“Although PAS has never won a seat in Sarawak, this time we feel there are some signs that point to a change, and God willing, PAS will gain victory,” he said.
Hadi, who is member of parliament for Marang, called on Sarawak voters to make full use of the coming polls on April 16 to “send the right message to the state government”, that they had had enought with poverty and lack of infrastructure in the state despite decades of rule by Barisan Nasional.
“Sarawak is rich in natural resources because of its vast lands yet its development has not been fairly distributed,” said Hadi.
Bukit Gantang MP and former Perak Menteri Besar Nizar Jamaluddin said that although Sarawakian voters were aware of the abuses by the long-serving chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, a large number of them had been fearful of expressing their displeasure at the government and embrace change.
“The people of Sarawak want to tell contesting parties especially Pakatan Rakyat that the wrongdoings of Taib Mahmud’s family are well known, but they are afraid to show their resentment.
“They are worried of a change, so we hope to instill confidence in them to bring down Taib. We will make an entry to Muara Tuang so that they feel confident,” said Nizar, who added that PAS would help alleviate “the fear of change” among Sarawakians.
