Will sacked Entulu contest as an independent?

BN’s chances of retaining Selangau may be jeopardised if the popular former PRS deputy president, sacked from the party, seeks re-election.

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BN waits anxiously to know whether sacked PRS deputy president Joseph Entulu Belaun will stand in the May 9 polls. (Facebook pic)

KUCHING: The biggest name to be axed from the Sarawak BN’s list of candidates is Joseph Entulu Belaun, minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

Entulu was sacked from Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) a few days ago, with an angry PRS president Dr James Masing describing him as a traitor.

Masing explained that despite being informed that he would not be re-nominated to defend his Selangau seat, Entulu still went around campaigning that he would be the BN candidate for the 14th general election (GE14).

What was most disturbing, according to Masing, was that Entulu was reported to have told his constituents that he had the blessings of Prime Minister Najib Razak to contest in GE14.

Entulu, who was deputy president, was sacked from PRS together with Lubok Antu MP William Nyalau and three other Supreme Council members.

The BN has announced lawyer Rita Insol as the candidate for Selangau. If elected, Rita will be the first female Iban MP.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife that Entulu will enter the Selangau contest as an independent candidate. Entulu is said to have claimed that he has the support of some BN leaders in his quest.

The question is: Will BN’s chances of retaining Selangau be jeopardised with Entulu’s entry?

The answer is yes.

In a three-cornered tussle for Selangau, a victory for Entulu is not impossible.

He is a three-term MP and a well-known personality with strong support in the constituency.

On top of that, he also has the resources to last a bruising battle.

Masing is said to be prepared for Entulu’s entry as an independent.

The PRS president has already gone to the ground to pacify angry supporters of Entulu.

Will Entulu contest as an independent or not? All will be known on April 28.

KS Paul is an FMT columnist.