YOURSAY ‘They don't increase your oil royalty but put pepper into your eyes.’

Thousands march to mark S'wak independence day

Ferdtan: The political awakening of the people of Sarawak is much welcomed. For too long the people have been apolitical, not caring about the state of affairs in their state.

That, of course, left their leaders free, unchecked, to plunder the wealth of the supposedly rich state. The jungles are gone. The state lands were stolen or sold at dirt cheap prices to the political elites. The people remain poor.

This unprecedented successful rally by the common people to come out to voice for the rights of the state is really heartening, especially the fact that many are from the Dayak community, the majority community of Sarawak.

I guess PM Najib Abdul Razak will be worried; he may yet delay the coming state elections.

Headhunter: Sarawak is showing the way by holding a peaceful gathering. The inspector-general of police (IGP) should know by now that as long as Umno samsengs are not around, there will not be any trouble.

Chipmunk: Kudos, Sarawakians. Now I hope Sabahans will follow suit and finally we can take over Putrajaya.

Let’s show them that we the rakyat have had enough nonsense from Umno and hope this will be the downfall of BN and the rise of a corruption-free government.

Doc: It’s time for Najib to dish out yet another public holiday to appease the unhappy people of Sarawak.

Just thinking out loud - the good people of Sarawak have been repeatedly hoodwinked by both the previous chief minister and Umno-BN.

Most of the riches of Sarawak have allegedly been reaped by these two for decades, while the good people of Sarawak are left to rot.

In spite of this, the Sarawak people are willing to be duped come election time by Umno-BN’s recycled promises and overwhelmingly vote for them.

So, my concern is if Sarawak does split from Malaysia, will these poor gullible people of Sarawak be able to stand alone as a nation?

FellowMalaysian: More effort is required if the opposition is looking for a more equitable representation in Sarawak.

It is true that the opposition has achieved their best ever results in the latest state election of 2011 and also garnered a satisfactory number of parliament seats during the 13th general election (GE13), but it is still a far cry from giving the ruling BN coalition a run for their money.

The solution however requires plenty of resources and resolves as Sarawak is as big as Peninsular Malaysia and accessibility is remote, especially in the interior.

The present attention paid by Pakatan Rakyat to Sabah and Sarawak is too feeble and meagre to make any difference in the coming two to three years.

Adam Ningau: Probably some of the people who comment on this website may not even have been to Sarawak before.

The opposition failed to reach out to the voters in the rural areas where BN did well. Those voters only recognise the ‘dacing’, the rest are aliens.

Prudent: Sarawakians, don't be fooled. State elections are coming. The ruling PBB-led coalition is part of Umno-BN at the federal level and helping to keep the Umno-BN crooks in power, who are robbing Malaysians, including Sarawakians, blind.

Do not get carried away and vote for Umno-BN in the coming state elections.

Righteous: They don't increase your oil royalty, but instead put pepper into your eyes. Indeed, where have all the headhunters of yesteryears gone?


Sarawak, you're truly special!

Disgusted: My brothers and sisters in Sarawak, it is your duty to kick out the corrupt government which has shortchanged you since the formation of Malaysia.

You should be experiencing a higher standard of living with the resources that your land is endowed with. Not as it is at the moment, being one of the poorest states in the Federation of Malaysia.

Don't sell your votes cheaply for a bowl of plain soup. You have power in your hands and it is up to you to use it.

Give an alternative government a chance and see the difference. Look at Penang and Selangor, for example.

It is at federal level that will make the difference, but alas, it is too late as you all have sealed your fate for the next five years after the 13th GE.

Your allegedly corrupt leaders and the previous CM who sat on the throne must be brought to justice and their wealth confiscated or taken back for the benefit of all Sarawakians.

Negarawan: Right-minded Sarawakians and Sabahans have the urgent responsibility and task to spread the ‘Kampung Report’ on 1MDB and the ‘Allah’ issue to the rural areas.

Do not allow your future to be sacrificed by a sack of rice or sugar with the Umno-BN label.

Peacemaker: Fair land Sarawak, we will never cease to honour thee. Long may our people live in peace and harmony. (These are part of the lyrics of the former Sarawak state anthem). -Mkini