“I’ve decided to stay out of the race this time to pave the way for Mordi to engage in a straight fight with BN’s Anthony Nogeh. There is a better chance for the opposition in a one-to-one contest”, Uren told FMT.

He said it was time for change and Pakatan Harapan, with Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the helm, provided the best opportunity for change.

“This time, change is for real and we, in Sarawak, must also play our part to help bring about the change that is so vital for the nation to progress. If the opposition wins Mas Gading, that is our contribution to the new federal government if Harapan comes to power on May 9”, said Uren.

The veteran Bidayuh politician and lawyer first won Mas Gading in 1978, when he was only in his 20s. He served for two terms until 1986.

Patrick Uren once served as parliamentary secretary in the Social Welfare Ministry from 1974 to 1979 when he was with the (now-defunct) Sarawak National Party (SNAP). He was also the Tasik Biru assemblyman from 1979 to 1983.

He contested Mas Gading on a State Reform Party (STAR) ticket in the last general election but was unsuccessful. The number of votes garnered by three other candidates far exceeded the votes obtained by BN’s Anthony Nogeh, the winner.

Nogeh’s three opponents polled a total of 12,364 votes while he only obtained 8,264 votes.

If this voting trend remains, DAP’s Mordi has a clear chance of victory. Thanking Uren for his support, Mordi said he was still young and has a lot to learn from the veteran politician.

The DAP man pledged to work closely with all opposition parties in Sarawak if he was elected.

Click here to get live updates throughout the GE14 season