David Wong's blog

Batang Ai, a 1st in many ways

DAP branches in Sibu sent a delegation of around 60 people to Batang Ai yesterday in support of the PKR for the Batang Ai (N. 29) by election. We went there in a bus and several 4WDs and left at 4.00 am sharp in order to be in time for the nomination which was set at 9:00 am.

We reached there at around 8:10am and the road leading to the nomination centre was packed with vehicles and we have to alight from the bus and marched to the nomination centre. I called up a comrade who reached there earlier and could heard the shouting of slogan in the phone and he told me that the supporters from the PKR out strength the BN. We were a group of 37 and we held our Rocket flags high walking into the stadium and the BN’s supporters and were booed by the large BN crowd. I waved back to them in contempt and our group held and waved our flags even higher and the PKR’s lead contingent welcome us with shout of approval. The tension ran high as both camps shouted at each other but the riot police and the steel barricades separated the two.

As I said, there were many 1st for today nomination; 1st, the small and sleepy town of Lubok Antu was made known to many Malaysian for the first time as RTM and many national media were there to broadcast the nomination LIVE, 2nd, 800 strong police force was dispatched to Batang Ai, which means 1 police officer for every 10 eligible voters and many observers think it is a waste of resources which could be better utilize to fight rising crimes in the state, 3rd, this is the first time the DAP sent a full force of state leaders and supporters in support of the PKR which shows the bonding of the opposition in the state, 4th, this is also the first time that the businesses in Lubok Antu are overwhelmed by bustling visitors especially from all over the country.

But I hope the most important and crucial 1st will be made on 407, that is the first time that the people of Batang Ai shall reject the BN. Sarawakian are all eyeing Batang Ai as the crucial test before the coming state election. Many Chinese are skeptical about the PKT chance as money politics and development promises are flying all over the place and they feel that the result is a forgone conclusion.

But lets there be hope that the people are seeking for change, after all after 45 years under the BN the people are still been depriving of the basic facilities such as clean pipe water and electricity and healthcare facility. Change is coming and the people of Batang Ai shall decide for themselves on 407!