Persatuan Pemangkin Daya Masyarakat (Rose) expresses serious concern over the statement reportedly made by Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg that the proposed RM400m Sibu-West Bank Bridge could be jeopardised should voters make the “wrong choice” in the upcoming Sarawak state election.
According to media reports, the premier stated that if the current government remains in power, the bridge will proceed, but if voters make the “wrong choice”, “we can forget about it.”
Such a statement is deeply troubling.
In a democratic society governed by the rule of law, public infrastructure and development projects belong to the people not to any political party or elected government.
Governments are trustees of public funds. They do not own development projects, nor should they present them as rewards for political support or consequences for political dissent.
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Rose is concerned that statements of this nature may reasonably be perceived by voters as a warning that essential public development could be withheld if they exercise their democratic right to vote differently.
The right to vote freely is guaranteed by the Federal Constitution. Every Malaysian must be able to cast his or her vote without fear, intimidation, coercion or the perception that communities will be punished for making a different political choice.
More importantly, the Election Offences Act 1954 recognises the seriousness of any conduct that may improperly influence voters. Section 9 of the act prohibits undue influence, including conduct intended to interfere with or influence voters in the free exercise of their electoral right.
Rose is not alleging that an offence has been committed. However, we believe that statements suggesting public development depends on electoral support raise legitimate questions whether they could amount to, or reasonably be perceived as, an attempt to exert undue influence over voters. Such statements warrant careful scrutiny by the relevant authorities.
Public development cannot be conditional on political loyalty.
The people of Sibu and the rest of Sarawak are taxpayers and citizens. They are entitled to public infrastructure because it serves the public interest, not because they vote for a particular political party.
Rose therefore calls upon all political leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to refrain from making statements that may be interpreted as threatening voters or making public development contingent upon electoral outcomes.
The people of Sarawak deserve to choose their government without being led to believe that development projects will proceed or be withdrawn based on how they vote.
Development is a right of the people, not a tool to influence political choices.
Democracy flourishes only when citizens are free to vote without intimidation, fear or coercion. That principle must never be compromised. – Rose
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