Letter to the Editor
By Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan
Sarawak politics stands in sharp contrast to what are displayed in the rest of the region in the country. It is rather a very conservative State that has been led by only three political parties namely SNAP, Pesaka and PBB (merger of Iban’s Parti Pesaka and Malay-Melanau’s Parti Bumiputera) with six chief ministers/premiers. For the last 56 years, the State has been dominated by PBB.
In contrast, another Borneo regional government of Sabah was ruled by several political parties under 16 chief ministers from various ethnic backgrounds and political parties. Terengganu and Kelantan in the Peninsula have sometimes rotated governments between those led by BN-UMNO and PAS. Kelantan has thus far been led by eight different Menteri Besar and Terengganu by ten.
In Sarawak, is the coming State general elections sustaining this calm and stable pattern or could there be groundswell for some possible changes? Calm waters should not be mistaken for absence of crocodiles, as the saying goes. Several developments in the background may provide some indications as to how smooth or rough the next State general elections could be for the long-dominating PBB and its components.
First, the Dayak component of PBB or the PESAKA members could be grappling with power struggle due to the “proposed” shift in the next appointment of the party’s deputy premier. Since the 1970s, the deputy chief minister’s (deputy premier’s) post for PESAKA member has been drawn from the Second Division Dayaks. But lately, there are already some talks that this could change after the 13th State general elections. Talks widespread on social media is that the next appointment could come from an individual from the upper Rejang valley. This would not only ruffle feathers between Dayaks of the two regions, but the third factor, the leader from the Bintulu region would likely be offended for being bypassed and in the process having his seniority and educational qualification disrespected.
Second, power and economic resources are highly monopolised by one ethnic group. This is an open secret and has gone on for the last half century. Data that are now readily and easily available online and on the web could attest to this. Those aligned closely to the power may overlook this to keep their positions. But the excessiveness of the ruling party is felt across various divides and by all ethnic groups alike. Although many high-profile projects are being launched, opportunities remain tight and regulated.
Third, there is an indication that any planned exit of the present premier from his current position might have hit a temporary impasse. The premier is currently in his mid-70s. In the last party elections, his henchman lost. Nevertheless, the individual remains a full State minister without an elected party position. This may make it highly difficult but not impossible to elevate the person. As with any power transition, there will be bitter jostling for positions as power brings in tremendous influence and benefits.
PRS is on shaky ground following its divisive party elections and the emergence of new leadership that was recently voted in. Word has it that old style politics of winners take all and losers suffer total defeat could unsettle the party that its founder, the late Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, had stabilised into a strong party that has done extremely well in the last State general elections.
PDP is a misnomer. It basically draws support from the Dayak community but is one led by a maverick, non-Dayak politician. In Malaysia, the general pattern of party politics is that one appeals first to one’s ethnic group and from this the person puts up a political cause. It is a misnomer when Dayak voices do not represent a Dayak cause.
With these potential hotspots and emerging challenges, Sarawak voters are confronted with the opportunity to “reset” Sarawak politics to one that exalts fair treatment to all and a government that is inclusive. The time is now and the method is by peaceful means through democratic vote.
Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan is currently a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and at the Institution of Malay Rulers Chair at UiTIM.
This is the personal opinion of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the views of DayakDaily. Letters to the Editor may be lightly edited for clarity.
— DayakDaily
