A PKR division chief in Sarawak has drawn attention today by openly campaigning for BN Saratok candidate and Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party president, William Mawan Ikon.

PKR Saratok division chief John Antau Linggang ( below ) was spotted sitting next to Mawan in the latter's meet with community leaders event at 41 longhouses in Roban.

NONE He told the media later that he came in his personal capacity, but is still a PKR division chief, at least for the time being.

He said that had known Mawan since both of them were in Sarawak National Party (SNAP) and had spent many happy hours together.

"(I urge voters in Saratok) to support BN and Tan Sri(Mawan), he's a good politician," he said when asked his advice for the voters.

"Of course I'll vote for Tan Sri,"he said.

Root of the problem

It remains unknown whether PR can fulfill its promises and the coalition can take Putrajaya, he added.

John Antau claimed that he has over 2,000 relatives but dodged giving a direct answer when asked if he would persuade them to vote in favour of the BN.

The party leadership had "sidelined" the Iban Advisory Council which it set up up for advice on matters concerning the community, by turning down the candidates proposed by the council, said John Antau who is also its deputy chairman.

NONE Admitting his name was on the list, he explained his main reason for supporting Mawan, however, was the "sidelining" of the council.

Mawan ( right ) said, John Antau will campaign for him, and having a PKR local leader on their side will be a bonus for the BN.

When contacted, Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian said he was not surprised at the development, as John Antau has been undermining him and the PKR Saratok candidate and the incumbent Krian state assemblyperson , Ali Biju as well.

Why dropped as candidate

"The reason he wasn't selected as candidate as he was found to be not really active on the ground, he doesn't have much support,"he said, adding this would not affect PKR's chances.

The remote town of Saratok has become hot seat since Mawan chose to defend it on his own instead of by the appointed caretaker deputy transport minister Jelaing Mersat.

PKR has fielded Ali Biju who defeated SPDP deputy president Peter Nyarok in Krian in last state election.

Saratok saw a three-cornered fight withthe former director of Sarawak Election Commission Abang Rosli Abang Paleng entering the fray as an independent candidate.

The constituency's electorate comprises 49 percent non Muslim bumiputra, 44 percent Muslim bumiputra and seven percent Chinese.