Pondering their future leaders

Taylor’s Sarawakian students speak up on the state elections

Banners, signs and posters of different parties can be seen hanging all over Sibu, Sarawak

In the run up to the Bumi Kenyalang state election, Taylor’s Sarawakian students gave their views on the crucial political event for their state.

The media has been flooded with stories of BarisanNasional (BN) and Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) flaws and strengths.

The defilement of Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s image due to corruption allegations and Pakatan Rakyat’s leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s alleged portrayal in a sex video put their respective parties in precarious positions.

When asked about what qualities a leader should have, Tabitha Ujang, a student, said that a corrupted politician should not be appointed as a sovereign leader.

“In my opinion, a leader who reaps benefits from people and misuses his or her power should not be a leader at all,” she said.

Meanwhile, Communication student Emily Voong feels that it is crucial for a leader to be fair, have strong principles and always fight for his people

“I want someone who swill sincerely, genuinely put the people first,” she added.

Who is going to win majority seats in Sarawak?

Several students who declined to be named shared their predictions on the election.

“For the past few months I heard that Taib Mahmud was busy visiting cities and rural areas in Sarawak for publicity,” an Iban-Chinese student said.

“For the past few years, BN has been Sarawak’s ruling political party and most Sarawakians are still loyal to BN. Therefore, there is no doubt that the ruling party will retain the majority seats in this coming election,” a Kelabit Hospitality student said.

Expectations towards Sarawak’s future leader

This landmark election will determine the course of politics in Sarawak

Voong was excited as this will be her first time voting. She hopes for a future leader who defies corruption, able to bring development to the people and does not seize the natives’ land.

She added that since Sarawak is one of the richer states in terms of natural resources, future leaders will keep the interests of Sarawak and its people as their main priority.

Hopefully the result of this election will fulfill the expectations of Sarawakians.

(By Dina Melda Matius)