KUCHING, April 7: Sarawak PKR has urged Sarawakians living or working elsewhere to return home to vote in the upcoming general election (GE14) even if it means sacrificing their 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. We call upon employers to encourage their workers to fulfil their duty as voters and to allow them to take leave to go home to cast their votes,” said state PKR chairman Baru Bian.
In a press statement yesterday, Baru said that GE14 is crucial as it will determine the future of Malaysia.
“We are at a fork in our journey as a nation. The election 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.
“The Anti-Fake News law and the rushed delineation exercise through Parliament portends ill for our future. 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,” said the Ba’ Kelalan assemblyman.
On the other hand, Baru said the Opposition alliance manifesto sets out clearly the reforms and promises.
Baru urged the younger generation to go home and vote as the voter turnout among this group was low in the last elections.
He noted that events in the run-up to GE14, such as the conduct of the delineation hearings by the Election Commission (EC) and the abrupt provisional dissolution of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) yesterday, have done nothing to engender any confidence in government agencies and authorities.
Nevertheless, Baru called upon the EC, the police and authorities to be neutral and fair in the discharge of their duties notwithstanding the unfavourable perception of the people in general.
“It may be futile to say this, but the Sarawak government should not misuse our immigration laws to ban leaders from Semenanjung Malaysia from entering Sarawak, as it is clearly stated that these people are not to be banned if they are coming for legitimate political purposes.
“If Sarawak leaders want to be respected as mature leaders who understand the concept of democracy, they must first behave in the appropriate manner,” he added. — DayakDaily
