Batang Ai: PKR to field either Bawin or Gerang (Updated)
By JACK WONG (The Star)
KUCHING: PKR will field either veteran politician Nicholas Bawin or former Lubok Antu MP Jawah Gerang in the April 7 Batang Ai by-election.
PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who confirmed this during a press conference here on Sunday, said he had decided to delay announcing the candidate after being advised not to do so before meeting with the constituents in Batang Ai.
"It is not right and proper to announce it (candidate) here," he told reporters after meeting with PKR state leaders, and opposition leaders from the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) and DAP.
Both SNAP and DAP have pledged to campaign for PKR in the contest.
Anwar later left in a convoy for a meet-the-people gathering in a longhouse in Batang Ai, about a four-hour drive from here.
He is expected to announce the candidate by Monday morning.
Anwar described both Bawin and Gerang as credible leaders who were committed to serving the people.
He added that the fact that Bawin was defeated twice in Batang Ai did not matter.
Bawin, 51, is Sarawak PKR deputy chief and also Sarawak Dayak National Union president.
He first contested the seat as a Barisan Nasional candidate in 1987 but lost to Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak's (PBDS) Mikai Mandau by 741 votes.
In 2006, Bawin fought under SNAP symbol and was defeated by Barisan incumbent Datuk Dublin Unting Ingkot by 806 votes.
Anwar said as Lubok Antu MP for five terms, Gerang had rendered very good service to his constituents.
Batang Ai is one of the two state seats in Lubok Antu parliamentary constituency. The other is Engkilili.
Anwar said the by-election was an uphill battle for PKR as "we are fighting the entire state machinery and huge and unlimited financial resources (of Barisan).
Barisan has named engineer Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, a newcomer, to contest.
