Barisan Nasional (BN) is facing problems in a number of predominantly Iban seats in Sarawak , with candidates accusing compatriots of campaigning for their rivals.

In the Lubok Antu parliamentary constituency, BN incumbent Jawah Gerang from Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has claimed that fellow party leader Dublin Unting and another BN leader Toh Heng San are openly canvassing votes for his rival, independent William Nyalau.

Unting is the incumbent state assemblyperson for Batang Ai while Toh from the Sarawak United People's Party (Supp) is the incumbent state representative for Engkilili. State elections in Sarawak are only due in 2006.

Nyalau is said to be backed by the leader of the rival faction in PBDS, Dr James Masing ( photo ). The independent candidate filed his nomination papers 24 hours after resigning as district officer of Lubok Antu.

In 2002, a leadership tussle in PBDS led to the party being de-registered. However, following a successful appeal, the party was re-instated this month.

According to Jawah, the two BN leaders have been telling voters in his constituency that he is 'the false' ruling front candidate while his rival was the 'true' one.

Jawah, who is aligned to the other PBDS faction led by president Daniel Tajem, claimed that this has confused voters.

Disciplinary action

Speaking at a gathering in Sebilau last night, he stressed that his candidacy was endorsed by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the duo's action amounted to disrespecting BN's top leaders.

He demanded that disciplinary action be taken against them as they are setting a dangerous precedent.

"I have submitted to the PM a comprehensive report regarding their act of betrayal complete with photographs and video tapes.

"I want them to be punished or else there would be no peace anymore in BN. If no action is taken against them, I will campaign for their downfall in the coming state elections," he warned.

Early this week, PBDS lodged an official complaint against Dublin and Toh as well as a government officer for campaigning for Nyalau. A copy was also sent to BN secretary-general Khalil Yaacob.

More accusations

In a related issue, another group of PBDS leaders aligned to Masing have been accused of openly campaigning for independent Josephine Mawat in Julau against incumbent PBDS deputy-president Joseph Salang ( photo ).

On the same note, Tajem's faction is charged with rooting for Sarawak National Party (Snap) candidate Anthony Liman to contest in the Selangau parliamentary seat against BN candidate Joseph Entulu.

Liman, a former PBDS supreme council member, resigned from the post on the eve of nomination day. Entulu, a former PBDS Youth leader, is aligned to Masing

Snap, on the other hand, is a former BN component party. It was booted out of the ruling front after it being de-registered also due to a leadership struggle. The party has since obtained a stay pending a judicial review.

The party has also decided to contest in this polls but pledged to hand over the seats it wins to the BN.

However, Sarawak BN chairperson and chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday openly declared his support for Entulu.

Describing him as young and bright, Abdul Taib said if elected, Entulu would be recommended for a federal cabinet post.

BN has already clinched six seats uncontested and there are 22 left. The question now is whether it will be a clean sweep?