Should there be a three-corner fight in the recent Kimanis by-election, Warisan might have won because of split votes among the opposition, BN and non-BN voters.
Although our Sabah NGOs (PIPA and SORAK) took a minor role in the by-election, we have gone through various obstacles, threats, accusations and attempts to thwart our plans.
“Himpunan Solidariti Bantah PSS” or “Solidarity Gathering to Reject PSS” received fish bomb threats. However, this and other threats do not deter us from organising and ensuring this important event goes as planned.
Social media especially facebook postings by groups and individual to the extent and level of impersonating me with inciting words against a particular race did not work to their advantage. Such acts are deplorable which smacks of desperation and foul play by the proponents of PSS.
I believe our Bantah PSS rally has somehow led to a turning point where voters swung their votes in favour of BN in clear objection of PSS, a hot issue which touched the hearts of our local Sabahans.
Apart from anger and dissatisfaction of the government’s performance, PSS issue plays the pivotal role in swaying protest votes against parti Warisan, which I believe is not because of BN-Umno’s resurgence.
Opponents of PSS comprising NGOs, political parties and individual came forward together in solidarity on 15th of January (3 days before the by-polls) delivering speeches and signing of Bantah PSS petition had awaken the small town of Membakut and brought awareness of the issue, an issue that is close to our hearts – our sovereignty.
So if the BN says that victory represents the resurgence of UMNO and BN, it should be evaluated as best as possible. In order not to underestimate the role of NGOs that indirectly make it possible for them to win with the concept of "Say NO to PSS" "Bantah PSS", it's not about Najib, UMNO or ANY political party.
So that's why I'm asking, if 3 corners, who's the winner?
No need to thank our NGOs, but it is enough for UMNO and BN to see it more broadly in the context of the people's rejection of Government Policy.
Even regardless, the politics and campaigning are over, we still are mobilizing our resources to counter PSS, to stop this crazy plan.
Congratulations to the candidate who won the by-election and continue your good service to Kimanis and Sabah. Don't forget to talk about the people, about infrastructure, about the economy and PSS. Good luck!
By Jamain Sarudin
SORAK Sabah chairman
21/1/2020
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