KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will not contest in Sarawak in the next state election, keeping with its promise to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
Barisan chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this to the media when asked if Barisan intended to contest the looming Sarawak state election.
He was attending the Deepavali open house held by Barisan's component party - the Malaysia's People's Progressive Party (PPP).
Also in attendance were PPP president Datuk Dr J. Loga Bala Mohan and MIC secretary-general Datuk Seri M Saravanan.
“Barisan has no intention of contesting any seats in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.
“This is based on the understanding between Umno and PBB in Sarawak. Umno and Barisan have never had any intention of fielding candidates in the Sarawak state elections,” said Ahmad Zahid.
The last time Barisan contested in a Sarawak state election was on May 7, 2016, during the 11th Sarawak State Election.
On Dec 2021, Barisan deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced that Barisan would not contest the 12th Sarawak State Election and would instead support Gabungan Parti Sarawak, of which PBB is a component.
