The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) faction led by Larry Sng are encroaching into rival faction leader Dr James Masing's constituency in Balleh to garner support of the former's candidate for the coming elections.

On Thursday, Larry and his deputy Jimmy Donald held a rally attended by more than 1,000 people at Nanga Entawau, Balleh.

Various longhouse chiefs who spoke at the function said there was a need to replace incumbent Billy Abit Joo, a known Masing ally, who had allegedly done little for the constituents.

Larry told the crowd that they should find a capable person who could serve the people well with honesty and integrity.

"I don't pick candidates. I let the grassroots choose," said Larry, who is Belagus state assemblyperson, in fluent Iban.

His faction is likely to recommend local businessman George Lagong, 47, to the Sarawak BN leadership for the Hulu Rajang parliamentary seat, of which Balleh is a part of.

Masing reacts

Similar longhouse rallies were also held in Entawau which forms part of the Selangau parliamentary constituency of rival faction leaders.

This weekend, Larry's faction would be training their sights on Kakus, a state constituency held by John Sikie, another Masing ally, where a massive rally is scheduled.

Kakus also forms part of the Selangue parliamentary constituency. Larry's faction has thus far named senior government officer Hilary Mukit, a local, as their candidate.

Much of Larry's plans would depend on a decision by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) on whether they would be formally recognised as the rightful leadership of the party.

The internal strife started in the middle of last year when Larry's father and then party deputy Sng Chee Hua had a falling out with Masing.

Both groups eventually elected their own party leadership with Masing and Larry as their respective leader. Given the circumstances, the party risk deregistration.

Despite the possible futility of Larry's exercise, Masing's factions are not taking the latest developments lightly.

They have been holding similar roadshows of their own in the same constituencies which are being targeted by Larry's faction.