KUCHING: Former Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) election candidate, Boniface Willy Tumek, passed away early today at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), where he had been receiving treatment for cancer.
His wife, Angela Ritikos, confirmed that Boniface breathed his last at around 5.20 am.
He had been battling cancer over the past few years.
Boniface, who worked as an insurance consultant, contested in the Opar seat during the April 7, 2011 Sarawak election under the PKR banner.
He lost in a four-cornered fight against Ranum Mina (BN), Stephen Sagir (SNAP) and Jindy Peter Rosen (Independent).
Boniface garnered 1,354 votes, losing by 2,006 votes to Ranum, who won with 3,360 votes.
He was among 11 Sarawak PKR branch leaders who were sacked from the party following Datuk Larry Sng’s appointment as Sarawak PKR chairman, replacing Ba’kelalan assemblyman, Baru Bian.
Boniface said he was not informed of the reason for his dismissal.
The others affected included Batu Lintang assemblyman, See Chee How (Stampin branch chairman), Baharuddin Mokhsen (Petra Jaya), Siah Sy Jen (Bandar Kuching), Jemree Sabli (Kota Samarahan), Cyril Langin (Serian), Yen Jebeni (Sri Aman), Nicholas Bawin Anggat (Lubok Antu), Vernon Albert Kedit (Betong), Hung Soon Kieng (Lanang), Abdul Raafidin Majidi (Sibu), and Kelvin @ Kilo Lutan (Bintulu).
Separately, Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Willie Mongin, Saratok MP Datuk Ali Biju, and Baru Bian, who was also Selangau MP, had their party memberships automatically terminated after leaving PKR.
