When discussing the Sarawak election, t makes sense to switch to a long term perspective when discussing real issues of politics. The manner of handling and sensitivity of treatment to political issues are very different for an audience which may consist of the virtual critics, armchair commentators, bloggers, Twitterers, and the most important group, the voters.

When embarking onto this serious business, one’s heightened contemplation will be keenly sensitised to the noise outside the head. The noise will be buzzing about to disturb and influence the voice of reason and may even sway you away from the reality of life as it is.

Early adopters, political analysts and watchers are now busy with the hot topic of the 2011 Sarawak state election. The talking up for Bumi Kenyalang’s multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multi communities will culminate in a vortex of political buzz in the coming weeks before voting day on 16 April.

In the land known for its resounding oneness that predates 1Malaysia, political parties of different shades and beliefs from the incumbent BN and challenger Pakatan Rakyat have descended to lay out much of the issues onto the Sarawak voters’ table.

Sarawakians are regaled and even bemused with news and stories about these who come over from their base in Peninsular Malaysia – their setting up to wheel, deal, demand and distribute seats among themselves in Sarawak.

Numerous allegations are put up and hurled towards the opposite side via conventional means and new media platform, to be presented as ‘truth’ to the public who are much less skillful in political play or manoeuvring.

How does a Sarawakian feel and react to all these?

To a self-professed thinking Sarawakian Chinese and his family living in Kuching, the ‘imported political methodology’ does not seem very different from mudslinging.  “All these allegations, they sound no different from the normal bunch of mudslinging and we are very concerned about that. You don’t get to know the agenda, policies, economic direction and plans for an effective government,” said Neil, shaking his head dolefully.

Gabrielle, who often declares proudly her Iban lineage and works as a general manager with a listed company poses a question, “Who gave Pakatan permission to carve out their little kingdoms among themselves in Sarawak?”

 Exasperated reactions to political theatrics aside, it is reasonable for Sarawakians, whether they are Pro-BN or Pro-Non BN to demand more unadulterated substance from the political contestants, to be supplied and supported with the hard facts of the politicians’ and their team’s ability to govern and bring up Sarawak – in short, manage the ‘can or cannot do’ to extent the politics, economy, education and social environment.

Why? Because the fact is, after the excitement of the election has ended and the political circus has gone back to where they come from, Sarawakians at home will be left to deal with the reality of their choice of government which may or may not be able to fulfill promises of delivery and continued delivery for Sarawak.