The result of this by-election will be of great significance to both BN and PKR. As the stakes are high, both sides will focus their attention on this forthcoming by-election.

At the state level, the result will set the scene for the state elections in 2010/2011. At the federal level, it will be a continuing test of the popularity of Najib Abdul Razak vis-avis Anwar Ibrahim. Najib, having lost all by-elections so far, will likely to come to support BN and he will come with all the goodies being prime minister and finance minister.

As a PKR supporter, I would just like to share my thoughts on what needs to be done to ensure victory. BN has been in Sarawak for along time now and they know the state and the voters’ behaviour very well.

Never discount that fact! However victory over BN is not impossible but it requires careful planning, coordination and proper execution by all PKR party workers. Below are some of the key challenges and possible actions.

Possible Key Challenges

1. BN machinery

Always remember that BN has all the means of transport - vehicles, outboard engines, boats, helicopters - at their disposal so they can reach every long house in Batang Ai.

ACTION: Ensure that PKR has its own means of transport ready - now. Do your booking ahead of time.

Remember too that some civil servants will support BN, giving key information and sometimes even campaigning for them.

ACTION : Get these key people to be on PKR’s side now. Share your views with them and the key issues facing the Dayak community

2. Vote Buying

As in any election, BN will dispense money at will. PKR will not be able to match BN in this area.

ACTION: PKR needs to change Dayak voters’ perception about receiving money during election. There is nothing morally wrong in receiving gifts from BN and there is Nothing morally wrong in not voting for BN candidates!

Party members need to drum in this change in thinking among long house people very carefully and effectively.

3. Project Kilat

There will be some project kilat (instant projects) that will be given to some long houses.

ACTION: Tell the voters to accept them. But tell them there is nothing morally wrong in not voting for BN candidates. The money for these projects do not belong to BN; it is the rakyat ’s money.

BN is only the custodian of this money. In fact, they should give projects to every long house more often and not only during election time.

4. Role of Ketua Masyarakat, Tuai Rumah and Penghulu

Never underestimate the influence of the Tuai Rumah and Penghulu more so now that they are ‘paid’ government servants. If their followers are found to be voting for PKR they would likely lose their jobs. So they will most likely do their best to ensure their followers vote for BN

ACTION: Sympathise with their position. Nonetheless, get in touch with all other long house members and convince them not to vote for BN in order to ensure a different and better future for the Dayak community.

5. Postal Votes

There will be some postal votes being manipulated.

ACTION : Find out how many are they and the sources if possible. This known, get in touch with the postal voters

6. Campaign Issues

Very important as these will determine how voters will vote.

ACTION: Prioritise key campaign issues - not too many. These issues must be those that are relevant to the people of Batang Ai.

- NCL - the way government treats Dayak Native Customary Land. Give concrete examples.

Get a lot of pitiful pictures showing how Dayaks are being treated

-Batang Ai land compensation, not paid - why?

- Salcra, small dividends even when prices were high - why? Land titles, have they been given our?

- marginalisation of Dayaks under BN/Taib Mahmud. Give a few examples but relevant only to the Batang Ai people

7. PRS - Iban dilemma

The PRS candidate will capitalise on emotions of people to vote for PRS as a Dayak party.

ACTION: Explain to the people, indeed, PRS was a Dayak party but not anymore. The PRS politicians are either not interested in Dayak problems or are being bullied by Taib so that they are too afraid to speak out for the Dayaks.

So a new Dayak representative should come in who owes Taib nothing but only the people who voted for him.

Hope PKR Team and other supporters can find above helpful