Miracle in Sibu

A few days ago Yours Truly made a dire prediction that the Sibu, Sarawak Parliamentary by-election would go the same way as the one in Hulu Selangor, Selangor. That massive vote-buying, promises of cash and aid infusions and "development" projects from the government would sway voters into voting for the government as it swayed the people of Hulu Selangor. I was wrong. The Opposition has won the Sibu seat, albeit by a slim majority of 398 votes. My respect for the people of Sarawak has gone up by at least 5 points (10 being perfect)to the region of 7 1/2. Perhaps it was the choice of candidate which mattered at the end of the day but the fact is that the people of Sibu rejected the corrupt and welcomed into their fold a veteran opposition campaigner who had thus far not won in any of the elections which he had thrown his hat in. This is good news indeed, it is very encouraging news and there is a ray of light. My hopes for a just and vibrant democracy in Malaysia hs revived and come back to life again. I am planning a little celebratory feast tomorrow.