KUCHING – One of Sarawak’s best Elvis Presley impersonators died of a heart attack yesterday.
Ironically, the untimely death of Ges Barundang resonates with his all-time favourite hit by the King of Rock and Roll, It’s Now or Never, released in 1960.
This is because Barundang, 65, fondly known as “Elges Presley”, was set to submit his nomination papers for the upcoming 12th Sarawak elections.
However, luck was not on his side this time around.
Barundang suffered his third cardiac arrest yesterday and was rushed to Institut Jantung Negara at Kota Samarahan, where he breathed his last.
His wife Helen Menon told The Vibes that Barundang was slated to undergo heart surgery next month.
The former journalist with Borneo Post and the Sarawak Tribune was buried at the Batu Kitang Anglican Cemetery after requiem prayers this morning.
According to Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan, Barundang was prepared to stand as a candidate for the N36 Layar state seat.
Layar is a state constituency in Sarawak that has been represented in the Sarawak state assembly since 1969.
Voon said Barundang, who hailed from Betong, had a good chance of winning at the upcoming state polls, which may be called anytime soon.
“PBK has dearly lost a true blue nationalist in Barundang, and we pray for his soul to rest in peace. The party extends its deepest condolences to his wife; four sons Jacob, Soloman, Gideon, and Cornelius; and his three grandchildren,” said Voon.
Fellow Elvis impersonator Adrian David Junior told the Vibes that Barundang was his idol and mentor when it came to “all things Elvis”.
“Ges was one of the best Elvis impersonators in the state and we shared the stage on several occasions during ‘Elvis’ events.
“I also know him to be a very upright man, an endearing husband, a loving father to his four sons, and a doting grandfather too.
“I am very saddened by his passing. Lately, he showed interest in politics and was slated to be a candidate for the state polls.
“Ironically his untimely death resonates with his favourite Elvis song, It’s Now or Never. It seems that Ges with his very effervescent personality had a calling to entertain and make people happy, rather than take to the politician’s podium,” said Adrian. – The Vibes, September 27, 2021
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