Transformation Or Change?

By Samuel Bay

The Sarawak 10th General Elections this time around sees two similar slogans being used by the Barisan Nasional party and the oppositions. The former advocates for ‘transformation’, while the latter says ‘go for change’. On the general term, the word ‘transformation’ connotes a more macro meaning than ‘change’ and this what the almost one million voters will have to judge comes April 16.
On the international front, if one is to read any news item from any form of the media today, he or she would note the drastic, dramatic and chaotic situations taking place in some of the Middle East countries due to the people’s aspiring for change in their government.
It is almost a norm to read the headlines in the media which say- NATO continue to protect civilians; AU brokers peace plan; Yemeni rejects Gulf plan; Mubarak and sons to be quizzed over violence; UAE police arrests more activists, Deadly clashes hit Syrian town of Banias.

The above shows the results of the disastrous effect that the people there have to endure since they advocated for change a few months back. When it will end, is anyone’s guess but the message is loud and clear that any change must be done in a smooth and proper manner so that the people would not suffer.
In those countries, until today there is no clear sign that the situation is waning and it brings more negative than positive impacts.
Now on the local front, the key issue among the opposition in this election is to pressure for change in the local leadership. In any politics, change of leadership is a delicate affair to ensure that there is continuity in stability, harmony and progress.
Without these crucial factors, then the local economy would be disrupted as the investors are afraid to come in and invest as there are no guaranteed security and peace just like what happens in the Middle East countries now.
And once the economy is disrupted, then it will lead to unemployment and more disgruntled and dissenting voices among the people which eventually will escalate to a more dangerous level.
This is what the people must be conscious of when they talk about change. Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud himself has made known publicly of his intention to step down after this election and this further assured by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak, but it must done in an orderly manner, both have stressed.
In this connection, the people must be careful so as not succumb to the voices of the oppositions who advocate for drastic change as it is pertinent that peace and progress will prevail in the state. To go for change, they must note that it must come with passion and great responsibility.
Much have been planned and laid out by the Chief Minister in terms of development to ensure that the people of all races will be able to enjoy better living standard and high income economy in the years to come.
The overall development covers good governance, environmental management, more business and jobs opportunities, education, land rights, Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) .
Describe as an intense battle between the Barisan Nasional and the opposition alliance, there are 71 seats at stake with 213 candidates slugging it out.