The result of this by-election will be of great significance to both BN and PKR. As the stakes are high, both sides will focus their attention on this forthcoming by-election.
At the state level, the result will set the scene for the state elections in 2010/2011. At the federal level, it will be a continuing test of the popularity of Najib Abdul Razak vis-avis Anwar Ibrahim. Najib, having lost all by-elections so far, will likely to come to support BN and he will come with all the goodies being prime minister and finance minister.
As a PKR supporter, I would just like to share my thoughts on what needs to be done to ensure victory. BN has been in Sarawak for along time now and they know the state and the voters’ behaviour very well.
Never discount that fact! However victory over BN is not impossible but it requires careful planning, coordination and proper execution by all PKR party workers. Below are some of the key challenges and possible actions.
Possible Key Challenges
1. BN machinery
Always remember that BN has all the means of transport - vehicles, outboard engines, boats, helicopters - at their disposal so they can reach every long house in Batang Ai.
ACTION: Ensure that PKR has its own means of transport ready - now. Do your booking ahead of time.
Remember too that some civil servants will support BN, giving key information and sometimes even campaigning for them.
ACTION : Get these key people to be on PKR’s side now. Share your views with them and the key issues facing the Dayak community
2. Vote Buying
As in any election, BN will dispense money at will. PKR will not be able to match BN in this area.
ACTION: PKR needs to change Dayak voters’ perception about receiving money during election. There is nothing morally wrong in receiving gifts from BN and there is Nothing morally wrong in not voting for BN candidates!
Party members need to drum in this change in thinking among long house people very carefully and effectively.
3. Project Kilat
There will be some project kilat (instant projects) that will be given to some long houses.
ACTION: Tell the voters to accept them. But tell them there is nothing morally wrong in not voting for BN candidates. The money for these projects do not belong to BN; it is the rakyat’s money.
BN is only the custodian of this money. In fact, they should give projects to every long house more often and not only during election time. READ MORE
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