Sarawak Polls: Once allies but now ‘sparring’ for Opar seat

Billy Sujang and Datuk Ranum Mina (right).

KUCHING: From working alongside each other during previous elections, Billy Sujang and Datuk Ranum Mina have found themselves to be in a different situation this time around.

They are now election opponents, fighting for the Opar seat.

“When he (Ranum) was in the government and contested under the Barisan Nasional ticket, I helped in his campaign,” said Billy when contacted.

In this election, Billy is representing the ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), while Ranum will be contesting under Parti Sarawak Bersatu - a local opposition party.

Billy said the fact that they are running against each other does not strain their relationship.

“Politics aside, he will always be a friend. There are no hard feelings. In fact, Ranum is my uncle,” he explained.

While his years of experience helping out in elections, he would be an asset now that he is a candidate, said Billy, who also emphasised that teamwork is important.

“I have some experience but certainly there will be obstacles and new challenges along the way. Cooperation from other GPS component parties will be of great help to me,” he added.

The Opar seat is seeing a six-cornered fight.

The other four candidates are Saini Kakong from Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB), Bayang Telon from Parti Sedat Rakyat Sarawak (Sedar), Freedy Misid from Parti Bumi Kenyalang and Meneng Biris, who is representing PKR.