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Anwar sniffing victory in Taib’s backyard

December 27, 2008

This article previously appeared in the Malaysian Insider

The winds of change are blowing in Sarawak. They are fanning the fire of Dayak nationalism and fuelling increasing Chinese dissatisfaction for the Barisan Nasional government over the state’s lethargic economic situation.

Even among the ruling Malay Melanau community, there is growing unhappiness over the reluctance of its leader Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to step down as chief minister after 27 years.

For the Dayaks, the animosity towards the old stalwart is even stronger. As a young Kayan waitress I met in a Kuala Lumpur restaurant recently remarked to me: “I don’t like Taib Mahmud.” Read more

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