S'WAK POLLS The election goodies given by the Sarawak BN government have worked its way into the heart of some voters, who said the handouts would likely get their votes.

Two out of five interviewed by Malaysiakini in Sibu have admitted that they were touched by the education fund they have received.

A voter candidly admitted that she would not vote for the BN in the election without the ruling party first allocating them funds, development and promises.

Another voter, however, said the contribution would not influence her decision as she looks at the quality of the candidate.

One claimed he has never taken any goodies from any of the candidates.

Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem had earlier been seen giving a series of goodies to the people before he dissolved the state legislative assembly.

These goodies included abolishing toll and quit rent, reducing electricity tariff and assessment rates, and recognising United Examination Certificate (UEC).

The longhouse families were also reportedly receiving RM500 grant.

No handouts, no support

Rini Dendang, 33, a shopping mall cashier, admitted she may vote according to how the election goodies - contribution, development projects and promises - are given to her and her family.

"If there is no handout, then I don't support," she said when met at a school at Sibu Jaya.

She admitted her family had received contributions from the government and a road project was going on near her longhouse in Baleh, Kapit.

Rini, however, said her village still lacks electricity and water infrastructure.

The incumbent Baleh state assemblyperson is Sarawak Land Development Minister James Masing.

SJK(C) Thian Hua, the school where Rini sends her children, handed education funds to some 291 parents.

Meanwhile, 60-year-old Laym Mungun, who has received RM400 in education funds from the government, expressed her gratitude for Sarawak BN.

'I love BN more now'

"I am a staunch BN supporter, I don't mind if they do not give me contribution," she said.

She admitted her support for BN has now strengthened further with the education funds she has received.

"(I) love them more now," she declared.

The contributions were timely for her two grandchildren, aged 9 and 10, to buy their the school uniforms and shoes.

"We cannot afford all these things," she said.

According to her, she supports the BN government as her husband, who was once with the police force, now enjoys a government pension.

"My husband has suffered a stroke," she added.

Another housewife, Normalisa Abdullah, 37, similarly said she needed the money to buy her child's school stationery.

The BN supporter, however, said she would not be influenced by the contribution.

"I always support the BN government for the development of the school," said the Dudong voter.

Cash and dinners in Sibu

Emmy Minggang, 27, who received the RM200 Poor Students' Trust Fund (PSTF) for the second time, admitted this might touch her enough for her to vote for the BN direct candidate in her constituency.

"I want a good, honest and responsible representative," she added.

Meanwhile, another voter who wished to be called Mr Lau, claimed someone has distributed RM100 to voters at his constituency.

"What I heard very recently was that you can get RM100 the moment you register and have your MyKad photocopied.

"These people also said you can get the balance RM50 after the state election," he added.

"But I didn’t take it. I don't know what the people might do with the photocopy of my MyKad," said the Pelawan voter.

Lau also noticed it has become a tradition for the ruling party in Sibu now to treat the voters to dinner on a daily basis at different places.

"This time around, the treat started after the state legislative assembly was dissolved," he added.