Quick Summary:
- Small players are vulnerable, needs proactive measures.
- Qualify finding. Note that Election results can be interpreted at many levels. Yet Local analysis points to different trends.
- Ethnic Voting: Not just about Chinese voters. Others possible switch. Beyond ethnicity to underlying factors.
- Key recommendations – rejuvenation, higher profile , stronger local representation
The reasons behind SUPP’s lost, is not only cause by the Chinese votes but also other voters. By closely follow the media, both before and after the election to access the mood and view of the voter to contrast it with the election results.
Why the voters swing to the DAP ? What has happened to SUPP in Sarawak is not specific to it. Other parties will also face a very tough battle in the next General Election and are likely to lose ground, especially to the DAP.
Because the general population, especially those earning RM2000 and below, are feeling the pinch of rising prices. The credibility of the government in combating corruption is low. There is still this close association between politics and business. The situation is worsen by the racist practices of the big players are now being implemented with renewed zeal and vigour. All these are likely to anger the urban electorate.
In 1999 and 2004, the resurgence of PAS instilled fear among the urban, largely Chinese voters of the possibility of an Islamic State. The heavy defeats suffered by PAS in the last General Election has put to rest, for now at least, this fear. By then, the Chinese will feel confident enough to let off their frustration by voting the Opposition, without having to worry about the possibility of a PAS victory.
Implications of the results for the future performance of the ruling party must be studied. In the course of this analysis, our leaders ought to look at the issues and challenges ahead and how do respond to it.
