Baru Bian and the Ba’kelalan election experience

PKR Sarawak chief, Baru Bian, who is contesting for Ba’kelalan N70 seat is definitely in a different league compared to other candidates.

His past experience as an opposition candidate, contesting three times in the Sarawak state election under the now defunct Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), then under Sarawak National Party (SNAP) and also once as an Independent candidate gives him an added advantage.

Looking at the mood of his supporters and the Ba’Kelalan grassroots denotes how Baru

will fare this time around in the election.

“God must be fair with him this time,” said Libat Taie, Baru Bian’s uncle.

Number four isn’t a bad number at all and more over the Lun Bawang’s don’t really believe in numerology said Libat.

The talk of the town also in the local media is about Baru Bian becoming the next Chief Minister of Sarawak should Pakatan creating a major upset by wresting the state government from Barisan Nasional.

However, Baru doesn’t seem to be bothered with these talks. He looks more focused at the task in hand to meet as much voters he can before the April 16 polling date

When we met with him he was preparing for another trip to another village in the Ba’Kelalan constituency.

“We’ll be going to Long Mani tonight, but Bekalalan may not be reachable’” said Baru when asked about his plan.

According to Baru, the road to Kampung Ba’Kekalan is the muddiest road, which can be three feet deep at this time of the year. There are 500 to 600 voters in Kampung Ba’Kelalan to meet Baru.

Ba’Kelalan constituency has around 7,000 registered voters and is located at the northern tip of the Sarawak state.

Barisan Nasional’s candidate is Willie Liew also a Lun Bawang and happens to be nephew of Baru Bian.