KUCHING: The end of the 12th Sarawak state election marked the climax of significant events that took place in the Land of the Hornbills as 2021 concluded with Malaysians witnessing new state-based political coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) given the mandate to govern the state for the next five years.
The much-awaited state polls were shelved for about six months after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah proclaimed an emergency order for Sarawak from Aug 2 this year to Feb 2, 2022.
His Majesty, however, revoked the order on Nov 3 after consultation with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, paving the way for the election to be held on Dec 18.
The election saw a record 349 candidates from the state-based ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), nine opposition parties and independents contesting.
One concern raised was the possible confusion of party symbols used in the election, with both GPS and PBK using their respective hornbill symbols, although both designs could clearly be told apart.
It ultimately proved to be a non-issue, for GPS at least, after the coalition of four state-based parties coasted to a two-thirds landslide win, sweeping 76 of the 82 seats at stake.
There was a familiar name missing though this time in GPS' candidate line up in the form of Tan Sri James Masing, the influential PRS president and deputy chief minister who died on Oct 31 from heart complications. His party went on to win all 11 seats it contested in the state polls.
The state election may have turned out to be a momentous end for 2021, but for Sarawakians especially, the year would also be remembered for its tragic and grim start.
As the nation ushered in the new year on Jan 1, tragedy struck in Sri Aman when a family of nine died after the four-wheel-drive that they were travelling in plunged into the Batang Lupar river, near the Triso ferry landing point.
Two adults, three teenagers, three children and an infant were killed in the 3 pm incident in which the driver is believed to have lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer and slide into the river. The victims were on their way to Kuching from Kapit, via the Jalan Beladin-Meludam route.
That tragedy turned out to be a precursor to further anxious times in the state. In the previous year, Sarawak, through diligent monitoring and strict preventive measures, managed to keep its COVID-19 cases and fatalities low.
However, these efforts proved not strong enough to keep more aggressive COVID-19 variants from entering the state as cases began soaring in the first three months of the year.
From just 1,117 infections reported throughout 2020, the number of new cases spiked as the relevant authorities grappled to contain the deadly virus. As of Dec 20, the overall number of cases totalled 250,916.
At its peak, the number of daily cases breached the 5,000 mark but once the vaccination programme kicked off, daily figures saw a reversing trend beginning September, and by December the state began recording only double digits in new daily infections.
As experienced throughout the nation, Sarawakians were also economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the GPS-led state government cushioned the impact with continuous financial and welfare aid to safeguard the people's lives and livelihood.
The Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) aid package which was first introduced in 2020 specifically to assist Sarawakians affected by the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) continued in 2021 and as of December, aid worth amounting to over RM5 billion had been disbursed.
As 2021 neared its end, Sarawakians were given more reasons to cheer.
On Dec 14, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Federal Constitution Amendment 2021 Bill that gives recognition to the demands and special status of Sabah and Sarawak upon joining Malaysia in the Federal Constitution in line with the provisions in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, hence strengthening their position in the Federation of Malaysia.
One other significant event took place in Sarawak on Oct 23 when the state hosted the official launch of Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family), a concept based on the values of inclusivity, togetherness and gratitude introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob after taking office in August.
A year that began tragically saw Sarawak taking the bull by the horns as the state successfully navigated its way through a challenging public health crisis and economic uncertainties and witnessed a huge state election win for GPS that promises continued political and economic stability for its people.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Dec 27 2021
The end of the 12th Sarawak state election marked the climax of significant events that took place in the Land of the Hornbills as 2021 concluded. - Astro AWANI photo
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.