Uniting opposition to face BN in Sarawak – Nurul Izzah Anwar

This Sarawak state elections we are facing Datuk Seri Adenan Satem, who commands certain popular appeal, seemingly showcases willingness to engage and understand society.

Adenan reminds us of the “Pak Lah effect” – the euphoria surrounding Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s resignation and the replacement leadership in its wake.

However, the announcement of chosen election dates exposes that the nature of Barisan Nasional (BN) has not changed.

As stated by Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian and his counterpart state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen yesterday – the power of the state government ends with dissolution of assembly. It is only the Election Commission that decides on election dates.

We must be able to tell the difference what is the public face of democracy and the real behind the scenes face of Adenan’s autocracy.

It appears that a leopard never really changes its spots, it merely covers it up. And this is the leopard that the Sarawakians will be facing in the coming state elections.

We are still facing the risk of monopoly of power in the state. A populist Adenan changes nothing – native customary rights (NCR), good governance, transparency in administration etc could not be materialised under the five decade rule of the BN.

If PKR together with other opposition colleagues were not vocal in demanding recognition of Sarawak’s 18 points; NCR land rights; addressing maligned and inequitable development and growth in the state – these issues would not even gain the attention it has today.

In fact Adenan only reacted to what the opposition voiced out.

This is the leopard dancing to the real tune and tone set by the opposition; democracy must be defended.

We must never once let our guard down with the siren call of “give me five more years” which will be proven as another false promise to bring real democratic change to Sarawak.

The achievement of last state elections were due to strong united opposition cooperation. Today the challenge is bigger for Pakatan Harapan.

All parties must remain committed to put the interests of Sarawak people above partisan interest.

We should not allow BN to take advantage over our differences. Unity is the key for success.

After all, the past success garnered was as a result of opposition utilisation of respective advantages and strength in different areas. Our cooperation managed to bring about a respectable win.

In the 2011 state elections, PKR Sarawak successfully secured three out of 49 seats – a challenging feat considering we went head to head with PBB in 28 seats; seven against the SPDP, and nine with PRS.

We remain committed in exacting change through the electoral process – despite the Election Commission’s flaws and the leverage held by the incumbent.

Furthermore, the chances of success increases when the burden of contest in the rural and urban seats are shared together.

We must continue to enhance collaboration and compliment each other. It not the right time to show off who can outdo who.

The main principle of supporting previous contests by respective individual parties – now in the coalition of Pakatan Harapan is to continue, whilst all negotiations will proceed accordingly as stipulated in the Pakatan Harapan agreement.

The negotiating mechanism is in place and will continue this February.

If we want to advance, or even preserve our gains thus far, we must be committed to a united front.

We urge everyone to put aside their squabbles and showcase maturity to convince the Sarawak voters we are capable to replace BN. – January 31, 2016.

* Nurul Izzah Anwar is Lembah Pantai MP, PKR vice-president and election director.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.