GE14 | Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian reminded Sarawak’s diaspora that the coming 14th general election now matters more than Gawai celebrations, given that it could change the course of Malaysia's history.

As such, he believes, Sarawakians working outside of the state should consider sacrificing their Gawai leave and come back to vote.

“Sarawakians, please come home to vote, even if it means sacrificing your annual Gawai visit home this year.

“There will be many more Gawai celebrations in the future, but there is only one remaining chance to change the destiny of our nation,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.

Baru added that this election, which is speculated to take place before Gawai celebrations on June 1 and 2, is especially significant because Malaysia is at a crossroads.

“The elections results could lead us down a spiral that will see Malaysia regress into a failed state that is disdained by our neighbours in the region and around the world, and indeed become a laughing stock in international circles.

“On the other hand, the results could give this tired and battered nation a new lease of life, a badly needed rebirth or renewal that will pave the way for institutional reforms and the return of real democracy for Malaysians,” he added.

The Ba’kelalan assemblyperson further stressed that it is imperative for the younger generation to cast their ballots.

“The younger generation in particular must step up to the plate and let their voices be heard at the ballot boxes, as it was observed at the last elections that voter turnout among this group was low.”

One last chance

According to Baru, events leading up to the polls, such as the passing of the anti-fake news law, the "rushed" delineation exercise, and the temporary dissolution of Bersatu portend ill for the nation’s future.

“Events in the run-up to GE14, such as the conduct of the delineation hearings by the Election Commission and the abrupt provisional dissolution of Bersatu by the ROS on Thursday, have done nothing to engender confidence in government agencies and authorities.

“Nevertheless, we call upon the EC to be neutral in the discharge of their duties notwithstanding the unfavourable perception of the people in general.

“We hope that the police and authorities will be fair to all parties and to issue the necessary licences to candidates to campaign peacefully. Television and radio stations should also give equal airtime to all political parties ideally.”

Baru also called on the state government to not to ban leaders from Peninsular Malaysia from entering Sarawak, as immigration laws clearly state that they can travel there for legitimate political purposes.