A BLACKOUT that hit PKR Sarawak chief Baru Bian’s scheduled gathering in Sarawak last night has been called Barisan Nasional “sabotage”.

Baru, who is PH’s candidate for the Selangau federal seat, said that when he and his campaign team arrived at the Sekuau venue, “the street lights were off and the surrounding eateries were dark, except for a few places to the left of the dewan (community hall)”.

Baru said his campaign team members, however, got power supply for their loudspeakers from one of the eateries and the ceramah finally began at 7.15pm.

After the initial procession of speakers, Baru said when it was his turn, “the power supply was disconnected and we were left in darkness”.

He said after calling power utility company Sesco, they were told the blackout was caused by a “wire-touching problem”.

Baru questioned the timing of the issue and said sabotage was the most likely cause.

“This cowardly and rude act of sabotage is a reflection of the fear BN has of legitimate challenges to its position, and its arrogance stemming from years of playing ‘towkay’.

“This incident must be condemned by BN leaders if they want to give the impression of free and fair elections.”

However, Baru said BN “will merely deny any knowledge of this act of sabotage”.

“We should not be surprised, because years of abuse of power by BN has caused it to reject fair competition on a level playing field.

“Like BN in the peninsula, BN in Sarawak has lost its moral compass, and needs to be given time off from governing Sarawak to reflect on its eroding integrity and to reset its value system.”

Baru faces a straight fight with Parti Rakyat Sarawak’s Rita Sarimah Insol for the rural Iban-majority seat, which BN has held since 1995. – May 7, 2018.