THE formation of the Malaysian government resulted from the victory of parties with various population origins. Interest and well-being are contingent upon the conflict and direction of the parties.
As Malaysia is a sovereign nation whose administrative structure is primarily guided by its constitution, party freedom is not restricted so long as it does not violate the procedures outlined in the constitution.
As a democratic nation, there are no constraints and impediments to politics, so long as it does not violate feelings that can produce mistrust and strife among the people.
In light of this circumstance, the existence and fight of political parties in this country are diverse. This statement is debatable from two primary different viewpoints: the visibility of local parties in Sarawak and the status of national parties in the context of the 15th general election. As we can see, the election climate is heating up.
Each of the contesting parties has devised a plan to present candidates who are qualified and able to win the contested seats. Not to mention the preparations made by local Sarawak parties on both sides. GPS, a local party that has begun to develop a foothold in the hearts of the people of Sarawak, is more willing to move forward with full confidence and is prepared from the perspective of receiving signs of support from the people of Sarawak.
Sarawak’s local people’s support was proven by the results of the 12th state election, which was won with great ease. Preserved is the implementation of numerous comprehensive programmes addressing every aspect of the needs and desires of the people of Sarawak.
However, criticism from the opposition is viewed as a review of possible service delivery improvement gaps. Undoubtedly, the unity of Sarawak’s diverse population is well preserved.
Observations and field studies of the 12th state election revealed two major indicators that have contributed to the new wind shift in the atmosphere of this general election: the mode of operation employed and the delivery of services that prioritise the needs of the people in short-term planning.
If these two indicators are implemented more firmly, there is a greater chance that this general election and the coalition of local parties that have established the government in this state will undergo a significant change.
The situation in the peninsula is completely different. The observation illustrates a circumstance that necessitates agreement and understanding among the participants. Among the characteristics they share in common are pointing the finger and anger with the actions of the previous government and the succession of three prime ministers within one term.
To highlight a positive image to their voters in particular and Malaysians in general, they must, however, identify a common ground of understanding and agreement.
Local parties that have succeeded in forming the government in this state have begun to get a foothold in the hearts of the local populations, despite the existence of national parties from both sides who are always prepared and shrewd in organising countermeasures. And, I will say local parties that have been successful in creating the Sarawak state government have the potential to win a greater number of seats than they did in the last general election.
Inevitably, the level of competitiveness remains high. Therefore, contesting candidates should reflect the party’s image with integrity and maturity, so that consistent support may be acquired.
People will undoubtedly make comparisons, and their judgment. Thus, both the local party and the national party should be judicious in offering candidates with manifestos consistent with their abilities to implement them in the future.
** Dr Nur Aida Kipli (PhD) is a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.
The views expressed here are those of the analyst and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
