According to Aren Sempurai, who claimed to be their spokesman, the chiefs acknowledged that two-term incumbent Wong anak Judat had served them well, but felt that SPDP and Barisan Nasional should look for a new candidate.
"We need a representative with good educational background so that he can plan and propose as well as monitor and manage the implementation of development projects in Meluan better," he said in a statement e-mailed here.
Aren named a candidate whom he claimed that the chiefs preferred -- Elly Lawai Ngalai, in his 40s, a former lecturer of a university in Samarahan.
Too much had been said about Wong and his relationship with civil servants, other leaders and the longhouse chiefs themselves," he said.
Aren, who is not himself a chief, said that Elly had been approached and "he has indicated to us he is ready to serve".
