Relying on harassment, bribery, or shortcuts to "win" is selfish and risks national collapse. Winning seats through political bribery, abuse of democracy, and deceit should be shameful—no pride, no dignity. A government gained this way teaches citizens to condone wrongdoing and corruption, poisoning the nation's moral core.
In a democracy, every citizen bears a responsibility to engage—no fence-sitting allowed. Otherwise, fools rule while the intelligent and upright stay sidelined.
Ultimately, sending the right message can heal a nation, even without electoral triumph. Consider Nelson Mandela's anti-apartheid crusade: his global message of reconciliation and human rights pressured South Africa's regime into change long before his 1994 victory.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech offers another lesson—it galvanized civil rights without immediate political power, forcing leaders to confront injustice and enact reforms.
Locally, Anwar Ibrahim's Reformasi movement in the late 1990s embodied this. Despite imprisonment and electoral defeats, his cries against corruption and for democratic freedoms mobilized millions, planting seeds for today's multiparty landscape and influencing even his opponents.
The Bersih coalition's yellow-shirt rallies since 2007 show the same power. Without winning seats, their message for clean, fair elections pressured governments across administrations to introduce reforms like indelible ink and postal voting, proving voices can compel change from those in power.
These examples affirm: Winning seats matters less if your message echoes loudly enough to reshape the system.
Sarawak is at a critical crossroads—act now or lose everything! People are furious with the federal government, but endless talk without action, fence-sitting, and dodging politics will destroy Sarawak. With the 13th State Elections speculated to be held soon, the time for excuses is over.
We are at crossroad because of the issues of oil and gas, control of revenues that had impeded our progress. Our unity and racial harmony is disintegrating due to religion and race issues fanned by people across the South China Sea. This is not normal and not acceptable by Borneo people who love peace, not hate among people
It's about, whether we have to go for separation or for a consent divorce in the federation.
Rise up, vote, and deliver an unmistakable message to federal and state governments—before it's too late!
VOON LEE SHAN
President, Parti Bumi Kenyalang