The Sarawak state election seems to have turned into a battle of all people against one man.
It seems that the Federal BN, Sarawak BN (except the PBB), the opposition parties and thousands of the public are now fighting against incumbent Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. We can imagine how awkward his situation is.
The target of the opposition parties is clear. They have gathered their force to attack Taib, including claiming that "supporting the PBB means supporting Taib".
Political ceramah have also been crowded by people who want to see how Taib is bombarded.
The sentiment has been arose and it is now being heated up. Also, the opposition's momentum and support rates have been raised.
Those who try to go near Taib might also be affected.
Other party members of the state BN have felt the pressing heat and everyone seems to have given up defending him. They try to cut off relations with Taib to protect themselves.
Candidates of the SUPP have said in one voice that "to oppose Taib, please go to his constituency Balingian and don't attack the SUPP".
Even the MACC has also criticised Taib for neglecting the demands of the Chinese.
Most shockingly, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has publicly promised that Taib will step down and he seems more determined this time.
Perhaps, Najib could feel that the situation in Sarawak is not as optimistic as before and he has underestimated the discontentment of urban voters against Taib.
Most people are skeptical although Taib has announced that he will step down after the state election, as he did not set a specific date, name a successor and make any arrangements after the announcement.
To cool down the anti-Taib sentiment, Najib has again made a guarantee.
However, it is a risky move to take.
Taib is the state Chief Minister, the chairman of Sarawak BN and the election commander-in-chief. He has been in the office for 30 years and to a certain extend, he is an influential leader in Sarawak.
They might be able to divert the opposition's target by moving Taib to a side during the election campaign period but they might also affect the BN's strategy, internal unity and momentum.
After Taib's influence is weakened, there is no replacement for the post of the election commander-in-chief and Najib has to take the charge himself.
However, the Sarawak politics always has its local characteristics and a federal leader might not be able to completely lead it.
Would Najib be able to retrieve urban Chinese votes?
No specific arrangement has been made so far and in fact, everyone is still waiting for the follow-up action to be taken.
Moreover, there is a greater desire to change behind the anti-Taib sentiment, which is also a part that has been neglected by the BN.
MySinchew 2011.04.12
