A lower state of anti-establishment sentiments is believed to have caused the low voter turnout at the Sarawak elections today. Barely more than half of Sarawak voters have gone to the polls with just over an hour before polling stations close.
Political analyst Dr Jeniri Amir of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak told FMT that voters had become complacent because of Sarawak Barisan Nasional chairman Adenan Satem’s popularity since he became chief minister two years ago.
He said BN supporters were confident that the ruling coalition would win with a big majority and some Opposition supporters who felt the same might have found it pointless to go out and vote.
The Election Commission reported a voter turnout of only 52% shortly before 4pm.
“When you have a high anti-establishment sentiment, the voter turnout will be high,” Jeniri said, explaining this would be the case as supporters of both sides wanted to ensure a victory for their side.
This ubiquitous commentator is clearly a great expert in most things.
However, he tends to make his comments as if in a vacuum away from reality.
No mention from this chap, therefore, about such things as bribes, bullying or abuse of power on behalf of the ruling party.
Najib and Adenan threw huge sums at this election and promised hundreds of millions all over the state. Envelopes of cash were handed out.
Under such circumstances a low turn out was a sure sign of disapproval. Thousands who had been paid to go and vote BN, decided to stay away instead.
This election saw 20% less people at the polls – what kind of positive wave for the ‘Adenan factor’ is that interpreted to be?