So there is going to be another state general election in Sarawak.

The announcement hardly stirred any interest in the national media. For most people on this side of the South China Sea, Sarawak and Sabah shall remain on the fringes of their consciousness. At most, these East Malaysian states merely conjure up hazy images of socio-economic backwardness, incredible timber wealth, and incomprehensible inconsequential and unnameable natives.

In any case, the BN will sweep into power again, as the ruling coalition has done so many times in the past. So what is there to be excited about? In comparison, the UEFA Cup Finals or the English Premier League offer far more interesting prospects of entertainment, profit, and thrill.

Surprisingly though, the odd reporter friends will still contact me, for information and advice on what is going on in Sarawak. By and large, reporters based in KL know next to nothing about Sarawak politics. I bet you none can name half the Sarawak state cabinet members, or half the political parties. As they say in Sarawak and Sabah, the only time you hear the names of these two states on RTM television channels is during the weather report.