Sarawak Polls: Ali Biju says decision to defend Krian seat was a 'request from the people'

SARATOK: Datuk Ali Biju said that he had decided to defend the Krian state seat in the 12th Sarawak State Election after considering the requests of the grassroots, even if it had to be done as an Independent candidate.

The Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Bersatu member said on Monday (Dec 6) that in filing his papers at the Sri Krian community hall here, he was respecting the locals’ wishes for him to contest.

The Saratok MP, however, pointed out that Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was unaware of his decision to contest as an Independent.

"This is a request from the people. We have to respect the wishes of the grassroots -that’s it. Even the (Bersatu) president does not know, maybe now he has after hearing of my nomination,” Ali told Bernama.

Asked whether his decision to contest as an Independent would affect Bersatu, Ali said the matter had yet to be given full thought.

"That is for later, to be discussed later. I can’t comment now as this (decision to contest) was made upon the wishes of the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ali, 53, said going in as an Independent candidate this time around will not affect his campaign strategies, and on the other hand, believes he had a very strong chance of securing victory.

Ali has held the Krian seat since 2011.

"Krian is unique. The voters want individuals with personality, (and) party is not the main point. All of us have to believe we can win,” he said as his supporters cheered loudly.

Ali will be challenged by Musa Dinggat of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), Danny Kuan from Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate Friday Belik. - Bernama