COMMENT ‘Vote for Ubah, vote for hope’ was the rallying call of DAP’s urban candidates Chong Chien Jen and Julian Tan Kok Ping, at their closing ceramah in Kuching, Sarawak, on May 4, the eve of polling day.

More than 25,000 people responded with eager cheers. Urban voters were looking forward, in hope and confidence.

“Don’t be afraid to vote for Pakatan (Rakyat),” was the message of the PKR’s articulate candidate for Mambong, Willie Mongin, at his final ceramah at Siburan, 27km away.

He was addressing some 500 suburban and rural voters, mostly Bidayuh and Chinese. These voters were looking over their shoulders in fear.