MIRI: Abun Sui, 43, the PKR candidate in Hulu Rajang says he is the underdog in the battle of heavyweights in this remote and rugged seat in central Sarawak.
The constituency, which is the size of Pahang, sees Abun pitted against formidable opponents BN-PRS Wilson Ugak Kumbong, 51, and SWP George Lagong, 53.
Abun said he was relying on Radio Free Sarawak to convey his election campaign because it was impossible to go to every nook and cranny of the constituency.
More than 1,500 radio sets, courtesy of Dr Michael Teo, had been distributed to the people, he told a press conference with PKR candidate for Miri, Dr Teo, here yesterday.
Ugak, the former private secretary of RS president Tan Sri Dr James Masing, is the favourite to win in his mixed constituency following the moral-boosting gesture of incumbent, Billy Abit Joo, in throwing his weight behind the candidate.
The other candidate, a SWP vice-president and Pelagus assemblyman George Lagong is the dark horse in this hot seat. He defeated the BN candidate as an independent in the last state election.
He is also a close kin of SWP president Larry Sng and patriarch Datuk Sng Chee Hwa who are contesting in Lubok Antu and Selangau respectively.
Abun Sui, a lawyer, said he would use the NCR land issue, resettlement compensation demand of the Penans in the Murum Dam project and rights of natives as his campaign materials.
He said Sarawak had too many dams, and the people in Hulu Rajang wanted Belaga Dam to be scrapped because the present Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai HEPs would provide enough power for the whole state.
“If we were to form the next government, a RCI (Royal Commission of Inquiry) on land taken from the natives would be set up.
“Yes, land does fall under the jurisdiction of the state government but we will initiate a remedial action based on the federal constitution and also based on recommendations from the inquiry,” he said.