By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Dec 13: True to his promise, Saratok MP Ali Biju is campaigning for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate Friday Belik in Rumah Ajang Tembawai Pok in Krian today.
According to Ali who is also Natural Resources and Energy Deputy Minister, politics in Sarawak is different from that of Peninsular Malaysia where one cannot tell friends from foe.
“Sarawak’s politics is consistently stable and this stability has caused us in Sarawak to be the deciding factor of the stability of the Federal Government in Putrajaya.
“This is why the top leadership told me to withdraw from contending,” said Ali during a campaign trail with Progressive Democratic Party president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing and GPS candidate for Krian, Friday Belik.
Ali said there would be grave consequences if he continued to stand as an independent candidate in Krian constituency.
“If I stand as an independent candidate in DUN (12th Sarawak Election), what will happen when the general election comes? I will be independent candidate again,” he said.
Ali explained his action will bring benefits to Krian voters. Instead of one representative, they will have two elected representatives bringing development projects to the area.
“I can bring 10 development projects, he (the GPS candidate) can bring another 10 development projects, won’t that be 20 of them?”
“I urge those who are with me for the last 10 years, especially those of my strongmen, be open-minded and be big-hearted because we have to let go of one seat and give way to GPS’ Friday Belk. I ask all supporters not to be upset and furious,” said Ali who told his supporters to look beyond this Sarawak Election.
Ali, who is also Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) vice president had registered himself as a candidate for Krian in the ongoing 12th Sarawak Election against the advice of his party’s top leadership.
On Dec 9, however, he issued a statement announcing his withdrawal from the election.
His actions have raised questions whether this has helped, as his name remains on the ballot paper and he might still end up being the victor due to his popularity.
On Dec 10, after meeting his branch leaders, Ali called a press conference to explain his decision and to request GPS to return the favour in the 15th General Election by giving way to him to stand in Saratok as a Bersatu candidate.
During the press conference, Ali promised to campaign for Friday and to explain to his supporters his decision as well as urging them to vote for GPS. — DayakDaily
