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The fact that Parti Rakyat Sarawak has set up its own Unit Media Baru is an admission that it has lost control in the cyber space.

Dayak based Parti Rakyat Sarawak is banking on cyber-troopers in its newly established Unit Media Baru (UMB) to counter allegations by the opposition in the run up to the general election.

But whether it will effectively help them retain their six parliamentary seats in Sri Aman (Masir Kujat), Lubok Antu (William Nyalau Badak), Julau (Joseph Salang Gandum), Kanowit ( Aaron Ago Dagang), Selangau (Joseph Entulu) and Hulu Rajang (Billy Abit) respectively is left to be seen.

PRS and its leadership under James Masing have come under heavy assault over its arrogance, lack of compassion and alleged deceit following a directive issued by its Youth chief, Mong Dagang, who is also an assistant minister, to revoke a government subsidy and welfare aid to a deformed farmer because he is a strong opposition supporter.

Since then statements made in defence of Dagang by Masing and other PRS leaders have only made matters worse.

Disclosure of Dagangs directive to the agriculture and welfare departments also led to other online revelations of secret land deals and millions of ringgit worth of contracts awarded to Masing-linked companies and his PRS cronies.

The revelation has added on to PRSs headache. Already the state Barisan Nasional is under pressure to recoup its lost support in the mixed-constituencies and rural fringe.

Following last Aprils state election, analyst noted an almost 49% swing in votes for the opposition in these areas. Although the Taib-regime kept their majority, its polls outcome nonetheless shook their confidence.

Much of this swing was attributed to the alternative media.

Said PKR Sarawak chief Baru Bian: I think they (BN leaders) know the people are fed-up with the lies. I know many of my friends have not turned to RTM and TV3 for news for so many years already.

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