Flamboyant Sarawak politician Effendi Norwawi, who has reportedly asked to be excused from contesting the general election, may not have had much of a choice in the matter.

According to sources, the Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) vice-president is apparently "no longer needed" in his parliamentary constituency of Kuala Rajang in the Melanau heartland.

Effendi, 56, was appointed a federal cabinet minister for agriculture in 1999. In a minor cabinet reshuffle in January, he was moved out to a special functions portfolio in the Prime Minister's Department.

The sources told malaysiakini that three PBB state assemblypersons within his constituency Wahab Dolah (Matu-Daro), Asfia Awang Nassar (Serdeng) and Hamden Ahmad (Belawai) are"unhappy because Effendi has not been putting in as much effort as he should in Kuala Rajang".

Effendi could not be reached for comment, but his private secretary was quoted today in the New Straits Times as saying Effendi's decision not to contest was due to health concerns.

Search for seat

It is well known among many party leaders and members that Effendi's ties with the trio are "not very close", said the sources.

Talk is that certain projects initiated by Effendi have been a cause of friction between him and the trio, who have indicated as much to party president and Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Taib has apparently asked his political aides to identify another constituency for Effendi. This could be Batang Sadong where incumbent Sukinam Domo's performance is said to have disappointed the party leadership.

Malaysiakini

was told that the heads of two divisions within Batang Sadong had, at a meeting in PBB headquarters in Kuching two weeks ago, indicated that they would support Effendi as a candidate.

However, it is understood that, on returning to the constituency, they found out that the choice of Effendi did not go down well with the grassroots - who did not want Sukinam to be re-nominated either.

Several state BN leaders including those from PBB - which forms the backbone of the state's ruling coalition - confirmed that Effendi is still looking for a seat, even if he is not needed in Kuala Rajang.

"But unless Taib put his foot down and insists that Effendi is accepted, he (Effendi) may end up not being able to contest at all," said a leader who requested anonymity.

Names in the hat

At least two names are being considered as possible replacements in Kuala Rajang PBB publicity chief Wahab Dolah and successful Melanau businessman Hameed Sepawi.

A political analyst commented: "There is a strong possibility that Taib may be preparing Wahab as an alternative for a federal cabinet posting in place of Effendi who has expressed his desire privately to many friends and associates to go back to corporate life."

Recent talk in Kuching had it that Taib was not happy with Effendi being 'demoted' in the cabinet reshuffle, and that he told state cabinet colleagues that PBB deserves stronger representation in the federal cabinet.

Effendi was one of PBB's three younger leaders projected by Taib five years ago to take over from him, when he steps down as Chief Minister.

The other two are PBB deputy president (2) Abang Johari Tun Openg and PBB senior vice-president Adenan Satem, both state cabinet ministers.

Effendi, a former Sarawak Economic Development Corporation executive chairman, also heads ntv7, a private television station operating out of Selangor.