The Thirteenth General Election approaches

The winning Dusun dancers

Yes there is certainly election fever in the air. Last night I could hear a rally going on until quite late and everywhere there are placards and flags for each of the candidates and parties. On Tuesday the 4 primary schools in Ranau had their competition for their extra-curricular activites such as traditional dancing, singing, storytelling etc.. This is normally quite a low key affair but this year we were honoured with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism's presence, which gives an indication of how much the government must be panicking.  Datuk Masidi Manjun is a local Ranau boy who certainly has made good and as with all politicians he makes appearances in Ranau when he thinks the publicity is good enough. For example the last time I saw him was handing out "money" in the street with the TV cameras rolling and as soon as they stopped he got into his car and drove away. Anyway, he arrived only half an hour late, and I was invited to be in the line of welcoming people while the gongs and Dusun dancers did their show. I have no amazing story to tell except that he shook my hand and said hello and then sat at the front on the big sofas and spent the whole time on his smart phone and mini ipad sending messages! He delivered a short speech and promised lots of money for the schools and left again with his army of "helpers".

Datuk Masidi is the one in the huge photo!

As you enter Ranau

Last week the Prime Minister of Malaysia descended from the sky literally in a group of four helicopters, delivered a speech and then ascended off to another town. The government are certainly concerned that they may not win this time. On the radio, controlled by the government of course, there are speeches about doom and gloom if anyone dares to vote against them. Playing on people's fear may work but we shall see.The same party have been in power for over 50 years and I think people, certainly in Sabah, have decided it is time for a change. The Sabahans feel they have not gained very much from being a part of Malaysia and peninsula Malaysia have gained a lot of wealth from Sabah. For the first time I have heard teachers openly speaking against the government. So I am standing on the sideline watching with interest to see what happens on Sunday. We have been told we will have a holiday on Monday but this weekend I am not moving!