GE15: Perikatan has not kept its promise to stay out of Sarawak, says Abang Johari

KUCHING: Perikatan Nasional's decision to field candidates in Sarawak in the 15th General Election (GE15) has not gone down well with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Perikatan had not kept its promise to stay out of Sarawak in exchange for the state coalition's support for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to become prime minister after the Pakatan Harapan government collapsed in 2020.

"In the last state election, one of them contested as an Independent. 'Cakap tidak serupa bikin' (not walking the talk).

"And now in this election they are contesting again and fielding four candidates. It's democracy, anyone can contest, but you must keep your word," he said at the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Engkilili town, about 209km from here, on Sunday (Nov 6).

Abang Johari was referring to Bersatu's Datuk Ali Biju, who stood as an Independent to contest the Krian state seat in last December's state election.

Ali is now contesting on a Perikatan ticket in the Saratok parliamentary seat in GE15, along with fellow Bersatu members Jugah Muyang in Lubok Antu and Duke Janteng in Bintulu and PAS candidate Hamdan Sani in Lubok Antu.

Abang Johari said GPS would fight to defend Sarawak against all challengers, including parties from Peninsular Malaysia.

"Sarawakians can look after ourselves and we will protect Sarawak's interests.

"I will not compromise on this. You come, we will challenge you for the sake of our people's future," he said.

He added that he was not anti-Peninsular Malaysia but that understanding and respect must be reciprocal.

"You respect me, I will respect you," he said.