True confessions of a Sarawakian

In my hometown, it's common to receive a bribe of RM50, RM100 or more, or other forms of bribery from "some officer" to vote for BN.

It has happened at every election and it will happen again this time.

And most people love that.

And they don't know the impact of their action, since their source of news is national radio and television, which are controlled by the state. So they only get one view about our country, and that is the good side of BN and the bad side of the opposition.

And the general message of BN to the people?

Vote for BN if you don't want the "Semenanjung (Peninsular) people mentality" to spread in Sarawak.

Yep. That's how I remember it at every election since I was a kid.

And everyone likes that message.

Just like how Donald Trump used the term "Drain the swamp" to trigger Florida’s people and to win their votes, BN used the same tactic on voters in Sarawak and Sabah.

We pride ourselves on the peace and harmony we have with all races, regardless of religion, which is extremely true. By mentioning something that will threaten this peace and harmony, everyone feels like they should vote for BN just so they can keep the “Semenanjung mentality” at bay.

We feel safe when we are able to keep things as they are and live the peaceful life that we enjoyed since Independence Day.

So by saying that "If the opposition wins, they will bring their peace-disturbing ‘Semenanjung mentality’ to Sarawak", we become defensive and so we vote for BN.

Oh, if you don't know what the "Semenanjung mentality" is, just think of people who love to create chaos and riots and burn stuff to the ground.

Yes, this is the picture of what the government has painted in everyone's heads.

This is divide-and-conquer at its best.

Access to the truth

Mind this, not a lot of Sarawakians or even Sabahans have the privilege to access the truth or news about the injustice that BN has done behind their backs.

This is the mentality that I have had since I was a kid, up until the day I flew to Semenanjung to further my studies.

Then I finally saw the truth.

The people in Semenanjung are no different from us in Sarawak.

They are friendly and kind just like us.

But most importantly, they have access to the truth.

They know the injustice that is happening in this country.

They know the extent of the corruption that is happening in our country.

This is the part that is not made available to most Sarawakians and even Sabahans.

And it still happens to this day.

And from what I have observed so far, the government deliberately slows down development in Sarawak and Sabah, be it education, economic activity, or broadband penetration so people don't have access to the absolute truth and knowledge of what's happening in their country.

Their only source of information is controlled by the state. And of course, the government plans to keep it that way so they will always have us as a "safe deposit" to win the election.

Everything has been meticulously planned to ensure the government rules forever. It's never about the welfare of the people. It's all about winning and staying in power.

Calling for change

And by the way, this is not fake news.

I'm simply sharing what I feel, hear, see, taste, feel as a true Sarawakian.

It's the truth and nothing but the absolute truth.

Still, I don't believe that the opposition is any better.

They have their fair share of dirty tricks and tactics to ensure their winnings as well.

But one thing is for sure, I simply want change for my country.

Be it good change or bad change, the opposition will certainly make drastic changes to this country.

All I can do is hope that they bring good changes to this country and really focus on the welfare and improvement of the people.

So what action can we take on an individual level?

Simple. Just spread the truth.

You will surely invite resentment and they may come from the people closest to you. I am sure I have people close to me who will resent me for posting this, since I came from a circle of people who are hardcore supporters of the current government.

But I can't please everyone and I don't plan to do so.

Oh, and for the "special officer" who gives you money to vote for BN and will threaten you if you don't?

Just agree with them and take their money. It's your money anyway. Then vote for the opposition. They can't see whom you vote for. That's the truth.

So go out there and vote for what you believe is the change that you need, that your people need and may God bless us all and our country.

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IRWIN UMBAN is a 27-year-old Iban, born and raised in Sarikei, Sarawak. He is currently working as an internet marketer/copywriter in Selangor. He has always had an incredible drive to help people, and is strongly driven to fight injustice in this world. -Mkini

✍ Sumber Pautan : ☕ Malaysians Must Know the TRUTH

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