Sarawak opposition thumped but Baru Bian elated by increased majority
Ba'Kelalan incumbent Baru Bian has expressed his amazement after defending his seat with an increased majority.
Baru won the seat in 2011 and 2016 as a state PKR leader but defected during the Sheraton Move and joined Parti Sarawak Bersatu...
Ba'Kelalan incumbent Baru Bian has expressed his amazement after defending his seat with an increased majority.
Baru won the seat in 2011 and 2016 as a state PKR leader but defected during the Sheraton Move and joined Parti Sarawak Bersatu.
While the ruling GPS coalition secured a landslide win with 75 seats compared to four by PSB and two by DAP, Baru was elated by his win over a GPS candidate and three others in a five-cornered fight.
"The outcome of the election in Ba'Kelalan is truly amazing. In spite of the low voter turnout, my winning majority increased from 538 during the 2016 elections to 680 today.
"This result is a reflection of the political awakening of the Lun Bawang people over the last decade. They are politically mature now and no longer easily misled by the old rhetoric that only BN/GPS can bring development for the people.
"With this maturity, the Lun Bawangs understand that there are more important things than projects and development, such as their rights - land rights, religious rights, the right of the younger generation to good education and meaningful employment for a better future," he said in a statement.
The Selangau MP claimed that the rejection of GPS in Ba'Kelalan is a clear indication that the Lun Bawangs are concerned more with justice, fair play and good governance than with earthly riches.
"I am extremely proud of my people and exceedingly grateful to them for putting their trust in me for another term," Baru added as he thanked his support team, volunteers and family.
Congratulations and criticism for GPS
Meanwhile, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim offered his congratulations to Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg and GPS, while having to face up to the fact that for the second state election in a row his party has failed to win a seat.
"I would like to thank the voters of PKR as well as the volunteers and the election machinery. A thorough assessment must be made immediately so that we can rise again," he said on Facebook.
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan was another leader forced to lick his wounds after losing all 73 seats contested.
In a statement, he said that voter turnout was very low and that the victory by GPS is nothing to be proud of.
This is as GPS took control of the whole situation and exploited the Covid-19 pandemic to its advantage, Voon claimed.
"They keep people illiterate, give money and food aid showing photos of ministers and YBs on all food aid (packages) to people in their campaign.
"They could use helicopters to campaign while we had to battle the campaign standard operating procedure restrictions.
"As long as people love money and are kept poor, hungry and away from development, GPS will be able to rule Sarawak as long as they like," he added.
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