Sarawak polls: Bersatu’s Ali Biju denies making way for GPS to contest in Kerian

KUCHING: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu)’s Kerian assemblyman Datuk Ali Biju has denied surrendering his seat to make way for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

“I have never agreed to surrender my seat to Progressive Democratic Party (PDP),” he said in response to a statement made by GPS candidate for the seat, Friday Belik.

Friday was quoted by a local daily as saying that GPS has a better chance of winning the Krian seat, with incumbent Ali not contesting.

“Generally, the mood on the ground is getting better, and with the revelation that Ali is not going to contest this time, I think our chance will be much better and we expect him to help us, especially with all his supporters (whom) we will be able to work together with for the sake of people in Krian,” he was quoted as saying.

PDP is one of the four component parties in the GPS coalition, which unveiled its candidate list for the 12th state election on Dec 3.

Ali pointed out that as the incumbent to the seat which he had served for two terms, he had never agreed to surrender the seat.

“Furthermore, Friday should not have uttered those words or commented on whether I will defend my incumbency or relinquish it, as he is neither a leader in GPS, nor does he have any legitimate locus standi to speak on behalf of GPS.

“My supporters and the vast majority of my constituents have insisted that I should continue to serve them and the entire constituency of, and to defend my incumbency.

Any decision as to my defending my incumbency will be discussed between my (party) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari (Tun Openg),” he said.

On Nov 27, Bersatu had said that it will not be contesting in the Sarawak state polls to give way to GPS.

Muhyiddin had said that all of the Bersatu members would help and give their support to GPS to ensure the party would have the majority to form the state government.

He said the decision was made after discussing the matter with Abang Johari a few days before the Election Commission announced the election date.

“Bersatu will not be contesting in the Sarawak election to honour the decision, even though there are a few places where we are confident we could win,” he said.