Thais in Singapore can vote in their 3 July general election without having to return home. All they have to do is turn up at the Thai embassy in Singapore. Continue reading »
Jun 222011
May 082011
Farish Noor in Singapore shares with us his thoughts on a landmark general election. Continue reading »
Apr 202011
Most people think that the main gains for the opposition in Sarawak came from the ethnic Chinese. But an analysis by political science professor Bridget Welsh shows a different picture.
As you can see, the biggest opposition gains in percentage share of voters came from the Orang Ulu, Malay and Bidayuh groups – higher than the Iban and Chinese gains. Continue reading »
Apr 182011
A Kuching-based political observer sent me this letter which I am sharing with you. See what you make of it.
What PR and PKR in particular failed to understand is how the BN has worked in rural areas (Malay, Melanau, Iban, Bidayuh and some Orang Ulu). These communities rely heavily on the BN for paltry sums of donations and grants. Come elections the penghulus (appointed by BN) may be told to ensure all the longhouses under their care vote for BN and prevent any opposition politicians from entering their longhouses. Continue reading »
Apr 172011
Just before I left Sarawak, a Melanau resident of Kuching gave me some sound advice to pass on.
Baru Bian last night after clinching the Ba' Kelalan seat. On the far right, partly hidden, is See Chee How - Photo by Anil
“Please tell the opposition parties not to focus on urban areas in Sarawak. We know what the issues are. They need to work in the interior areas. That’s where the work must be done.” Continue reading »