#PrkBalingian: N51 BALINGIAN REJECTS ANWAR AND PKR'S REFERENDUM

Today is a momentous day, which will decide not only the fate of N 51 Balingian constituents, but also all Malaysians who have placed a keen eye on our political scene. As of noon today, it was reported by the Tan Sri Abdul Aziz and the Election Commission that more than 60% of the votes were cast, and that a historic 80% turnout rate is expected once the polls are closed at 5 pm. This unprecedented rate of turnout was very clear at the various polling centers, where most constituents chose to start their day early and cast their votes as early as 8 in the morning and exercise their rights.

In their campaigns and rallies here, the key phrase that has been muttered by PKR is "referendum". PKR, through their leader Anwar Ibrahim sought to use Balingian as a medium of which the constituents can voice out their supposed dissatisfaction towards the current Barisan Nasional government. This writer noted in an earlier article that this phrase is chosen because they want to create a parallel between our political scene and the resent uprising in Ukraine and the situation affecting the peoples of Crimea, a small island south of Ukraine whose populace wishes to be part of Russia instead. In this article, this writer will show that not only is this parallel completely misleading, but also assess the effectiveness of their strategy.

Does Balingian need a referendum? Mere days after campaign season started, Barisan Nasional, came in and answered the constituents pleas in what this writer thinks is a tour de force. Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that two new schools will be built and Mukah's airport will be renovated in accordance to the increasing flux of tourists into the district. Did the government have to resort to threats and provocation, a la Putin? All of the populace's grievances were answered swiftly, and there is no reason for the rakyat to risk their bargaining power in the polls.

The voters know that Yussibnosh is better equipped to deal with the challenges that comes with sustainable development in the constituency, plain and simple. Abdul Jalil, try as he might, will cave in under the enormous pressure of following in the footsteps of Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. Already during the campaign, this writer and also the voters have seen just how little control Jalil actually has over his own machinery. Even during polling day, he was found in his own company, seemingly being left alone to do his own business. Is this the person Anwar wants the populace to rally around in defiance of Barisan's governance?

The rakyat knows better than to place their future in the hands of Abdul Jalil, Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat. They entered the wrong horse for the race, and now is seemingly trying to cut their losses. If a referendum is needed, it will be to ask for PKR to mount a more credible challenge next time around.