PKR: Headmen played huge role in BN win in S’wak
Sarawak PKR Chief Baru Bian says these headmen were beholden to the state for their appointments and the people in turn turned to these chieftains for help.
KUALA LUMPUR: Village headmen in Sarawak played an important role in securing BN’s wins during the state election, according to Sarawak PKR Chief Baru Bian.
Speaking at a forum entitled “Sarawak Elections Lessons Learnt and the Way Forward” at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here today, Baru claimed that the ruling coalition used these headmen to distribute money to voters as well as to threaten Sarawakians into voting for BN.
“If you want to apply for identification cards or to get affirmation for your land, you need to meet the headmen.
“These headmen will threaten individuals, such as not supporting their applications for government projects or to provide documents for their children.”
The Ba’Kelalan assemblyman pointed out that often these village headmen themselves were being coerced into carrying out their “duties” for BN.
“Their appointments are at the mercy of the state government. Recently, their appointments were delayed until after the state election to ensure they worked and voted for BN.”
He added that the village headmen are paid a monthly allowance and as such “are beholden to them”.
Other factors that Baru attributed to BN’s overwhelming win in the Sarawak election were Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem’s popularity among the people and money politics.
He said national issues such as the 1MDB scandal had little impact as Sarawakians were more concerned with “bread and butter” issues.
Pakatan Harapan’s internal conflicts and the low turnout of young voters were among other reasons for the defeat of Opposition candidates, he added.
When asked what Pakatan Harapan could do to ensure better results come the next election, Baru said it all came down to political education and efforts on the ground that could be seen by Sarawakians.
“The Selangor and Penang state governments must show some meaningful long-term projects in Sarawak through local leaders. Attempts to bring in impromptu projects won’t work.
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“Seeing is believing and there is no proof that our candidates can bring in development to the rural areas.”