MAY 19 — Never before in Sibu have we seen such a strong line of a multi-ethnic opposition coalition working together hand-in-hand way into the wee hours of the night to bring about change.

Never before in Sibu have we seen so many Malays proudly wearing DAP caps and wearing DAP shirts on the streets and sidewalk.

Never before in Sibu have we seen a Malay woman donning the tudung, hoisting a huge DAP flag.

Never before in Sibu kopitiam have we seen Chinese men inviting Malay PKR men (who are strangers to them) to engage in an amicable and spirited conversation about political issues and problems.

Never before in Sibu have we witnessed such a wide range of formerly-alleged-as “taboo” and “sensitive” issues analysed and discussed in front of a huge and eager multi-racial audience in such peace, non-hostility, and good faith.

Never before in Sibu have we witnessed such a huge 15,000-strong public turn up at the Opposition’s grand finale ceramah on May 15, 2010 and stayed there for six consecutive hours — from 6.00pm to midnight.

Not only were they there on their own accord, they did not leave when it drizzled, they were not paid to turn up, and they even donated on the spot for the cause.

Never before in Sibu have we witnessed a huge public crowd that is more drawn to listen to speech on issues instead of seeing fireworks and helicopters flying.

Never before in Sibu have we witnessed our Malaysian prime minister flying in to Sibu three times in a week to campaign for one sole Parliamentary seat — which the ruling coalition also alleged that the opposition would not be able to do anything with — thus showing to Sibu people how important that one seat is.

Much is owed to the fact that it was a lone by-election and hence the deployment of all the national heavyweight political figures from both sides of the divide.

Never before in Sibu when we have such a huge successive public attendance at ceramahs night after night involving multi-racial cross-section of the community where there is total devotion to listen to every word spoken without any incentive to lure the public by offering food, BBQ, jamuan makan malam or rumah terbuka feasts, lucky draw, beauty contest, karaoke singing competition, and all that rubbish.

Never before in Sibu has the Election Commission headquarters at Sibu Civic Centre been cordoned off by so many police and FRU with all surrounding roads blocked off amidst serious traffic jam due to the huge public crowd gathering in the rain to await the final outcome of an election around the Civic Centre.

Never before in Sibu have so many of my friends come to realise the value of being a registered voter and cherish the ability to vote.

Never before in Sibu have I heard young people telling each other “I am going to register as a voter, fly home and vote next time to do my part.”

Sibu by-election May 16, 2010 is a day of so many “Firsts” for Sibu and I wish it will also trigger many more “Firsts” for the rest of the Central Region of Sarawak.

It is indeed a miracle.