MARUDI: Coming from the same family but with different political ideologies does not pose any hurdle for three candidates who will be fighting it out in the Baram parliamentary constituency.
It will be a family affair as an uncle will be taking on his nephew and brother-in-law for this largely rural constituency of 29,024 voters.
They are Barisan Nasional's 55-year-old newcomer Anyi Ngau, his 41-year-old nephew from Parti Keadilan Rakyat Roland Engan and his brother-in-law, Patrick Sibat, contesting as an independent.
Engan said their family ties would not come between the competition to win the seat, previously held by BN's Datuk Jacob Sagan, who is not re-contesting.
"Yes, he is my uncle and I am going to face him in this battle. But we will argue on issues and policies. Our relationship has no place in politics, just our ideas. We will keep our fight befitting of two professionals and show what democracy is all about in our family."
Meanwhile, in Hulu Rajang, which is a predominantly Dayak constituency, two cousins will be pitted against each other and a PKR member. Cousins George Lagong of Sarawak Workers' Party (SWP) and Ugak Kumbong of BN take on lawyer Sbun Sui Anyit of PKR.
The fight for Hulu Rajang is "rather special" for Lagong and Ugak.
"We have always been and will continue to be good friends, despite challenging each other. Our family ties will not be jeopardised because of this," said Lagong.
"I believe we both are mature enough to handle the political differences between us."
Read more: Family members face off in friendly contests - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/family-members-face-off-in-friendly-contests-1.260531##ixzz2R4541GK3
