Press Digest: Sarawak voters unfazed by 1MDB, ‘RM2.6b’ issues

(The Sun Daily) – Barisan Nasional’s landslide victory in the 11th Sarawak state election has proven that voters in the state were unperturbed with critical national issues going on in the Peninsula, said Awang Selamat.

The Mingguan Malaysia’s collective editorial piece said issues such as 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and the RM2.6 billion donation did not deter the voters from giving BN another five-year mandate in the east Malaysian state.

“The results of the state election indicates that several ‘hot’ national issues in the Peninsula did not bring too much impact.

“Issues such as 1MDB and the RM2.6 billion donation which have been resolved, is believed to have restored the confidence of the rakyat,” Awang said.

Awang also pointed out that internal bickering between PKR and DAP, as well as integrity issues concerning DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng has resulted in a vote swing among Chinese voters in the state.

“DAP lost five of its seats amidst its aggressive campaign and scare tactics to the rakyat, such as the repeal of the Goods and Services Tax.

“The success of BN has provided a motivational leap for the next general election,” he added.

Other contributing factors for BN’s massive victory was the chemistry between Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, said Awang.

“It is clear that the concept of power sharing between the central and state government has given confidence to the people of Sarawak,” Awang said.