Elections and the current political situation in Sarawak

BFM Radio interviews Andrew Aeria on the political issues and elections in Sarawak.

With 31 parliamentary seats, Sarawak has traditionally been a stronghold of the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. However opposition gains in the 2011 state elections have challenged the notion that Sarawak is a fixed deposit state for the coalition in the coming 13th General Elections.

For BFM Radio Current Affairs, Kathleen Tan speaks to Associate Professor Dr Andrew Aeria, Lecturer at the Department of Politics and International Relations at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University Malaysia Sarawak on political issues and elections in Sarawak.

Among the topics discussed are:

• the relationship between the Sarawak state government and the federal government and how this relationship has evolved throughout the years
• how communal-based politics has been an influence in Sarawak
• the extent to which the role and responsibilities of the Electoral Commission, such as delineation and proportion of seat size, affect electoral outcomes in the state
• the voting preferences of the urban vs rural populations in Sarawak
• the Sarawak people’s perception of the government and level of awareness of institutions such as the Electoral Commission, and if the recent rallies in the Peninsula for free and fair elections have had an influence on their voting preference
• any developments since the 2011 state elections which may be relevant for the imminent general elections.

Now listen to the interview:

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

Support our work by making a donation. Tap to download the QR code below and scan this QR code from Gallery by using TnG e-wallet or most banking apps: