According to a Borneo Post Online report, Wong, a five-term assemblyman, said he knew Watson, who came from a well-known family in the area.

“I thought we all should be quite friendly with one another. I do not know why Watson is coming out to contest against a BN candidate.

“I am not only surprised, but also disappointed that my challenger comes from PBB,” he was quoted as saying.

Yesterday, it was reported that Watson, who was PBB’s Bawang Assan branch chairman, was sacked by the party after he filed his nomination paper to stand as an independent.

PBB secretary-general Stephen Rundi Utom had said the party did not tolerate members standing against BN candidates.

Wong, who beat DAP’s Alice Lau in a straight fight in 2011, will this time fight to retain his seat in a five-cornered battle.

The direct BN candidate will be taking on DAP’s Stanley Chiew, Star’s Wong Sing Wei, Watson and another independent candidate, Yeu Bang Keng.