S4S to register a political party

Peter (left) gestures while addressing the media.

KUCHING: The Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S) movement intends to register a political party in order to contest during the next state election due in 2021.

According to its leader Peter John Jaban, S4S feels something must be done to further democracy and autonomy in Sarawak.

“In fact, we see them both as going hand in hand – with more autonomy, further away from the influence of the current national system, democracy should flourish. This will not be an easy task,” he said yesterday.

“We expect them (opponents) to throw every roadblock in our way, but we will push ahead. Our goal is to provide a better and reasonable alternative come the next election so that we can hold our heads high as a state.”

According to him, Barisan Nasional’s (BN) landslide win of 72 out of 82 seats was due to the popularity of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

“We respect the choice of Sarawakians to give Adenan a chance to prove his promises, but we must also make sure that we are ready for every eventuality when his final five-year term is over. This is why we feel that Sarawak must have a viable alternative to further the twin causes of democracy and autonomy,” he said.

Peter pointed out that Malaysians in the peninsula have been quick to condemn the election results, demonstrating their ignorance.

“Some have shown their ignorance, describing us as ‘cawat-wearing fools.’ Perhaps they should get away from their televisions and their (computer) keyboards and actually visit our state. Others have shouted that we should be considering national issues in our state election, despite the fact that they have not given any thought to our state issues in 53 years of national elections, enjoying their roads and infrastructure paid for out of the massive oil royalties that they take for granted.

“Perhaps they should trust that Adenan Satem himself has been given a chance by the people of Sarawak because of his push for autonomy at state level. The feedback on the ground is that the voters are supporting Adenan because they believe he will run a state government that will fight for the future of Sarawak,” he said. Peter called on those in the peninsula to give Sarawakians more credit for being capable of separating national issues from those of the state.

“After all, the state election may be no reflection of the national result in the coming 14th general election. All sides were at pains to explain that national issues had no impact here, so West Malaysians should take heed,” he added.