When the ISA arrests were made on April 10 and 11 before the Black 14 gathering last Saturday, one of the main reasons given for the arrests was to safeguard the people's prevailing peace that would otherwise be disturbed by molotov cocktails and bombs.

Now that the bombs did not blow and the gathering was proved peaceful, has it ever occurred to our Inspector-General of Police that he should address the issue of this rumour-mongering?

For instance, in his opening address at a political gathering in Kuching this afternoon, the Sarawak Chief Minister expressed that Barisan Nasional component parties face one of the greatest challenges during the coming state elections. And why? He said it was because the opposition has resorted to violence, as seen in the Lunas by-election. The opposition, he said, will lay waste the good that has been established by the present ruling party. Isn't this rumour-mongering?

I sincerely believe the greatest challenge for the present ruling coalition is not the 'anticipated violence' from the opposition, but the dire need for BN parties to prove themselves as being worthy to lead and care for Sarawakians.

Votes are rallied not by instilling fear in the hearts of the people. Trust in our leaders needs to be earned.