KUCHING: Barisan Nasional (BN) man Subeng Mula views the clash against long-time friend, Ali Biju of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) to secure the Saratok seat in the coming parliamentary election as a ‘fight for principle and nothing personal’.
According to him, he and Ali were school-mates during their days at Kolej Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah in Petra Jaya here in the 1980s.
Subeng Mula
“We have been friends since our college days. So, this fight is about principle and nothing personal.
“It will be a challenging fight for BN, but we’re confident that we can defend the seat based on past results – the fact that Saratok is a BN stronghold, having solid support from both Kabong and Kalaka (state constituencies),” said Subeng when contacted yesterday.
For the record, another state constituency under Saratok is Krian, of which Ali is the assemblyman.
It is also known that Kabong and Kalaka are predominantly-Malay areas.
In consideration of all these factors, Subeng said he must work ‘extra hard’.
“This is my first election – my friend (Ali) is already an established name in Saratok,” he pointed out.
Subeng also said his friendship with Ali extended into business – Ali owns a company that specialised in scaffolding, which is an area that is considered ‘rare’ for a Bumiputera company.
“As a mechanical engineer, he’s good in what’s he’s doing. My company has engaged his company for numerous jobs. Thus, this fight will be ‘special’ for the two us,” said Subeng, who is an electrical engineer by profession.
Ali could not be reached for comments.
PKR Sarawak chief Baru Bian yesterday announced the party’s candidates for the parliamentary election.
In the polls of 2013, BN won Sarawatok seat through Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, who faced Ali and Independent candidate Rosli Lek @ Abang Roselie Abang Paleng – Mawan secured a majority of 2,081 votes.
It is learnt that Saratok has some 28,000 voters.