KUCHING, Dec 9: Krian incumbent Datuk Ali Biju has decided to pull out from contesting and defending his seat as an independent candidate in the 12th Sarawak Election.
In announcing his withdrawal three days after his candidacy had been accepted through a statement today, the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) man has in turn pledged his full support to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate Friday Belik.
“I have received advice from the party’s top leadership as well as assurance from Bersatu chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, regarding the national cooperation political framework between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as the GPS chairman.
“I am confident that this cooperation will continue and enhance the relationship between PN and GPS.
“I regret that this decision (to contest as independent) has affected the good relationship between Bersatu and GPS,” he said.
Ali was accepted as an independent candidate for this forthcoming election following nomination day on Dec 6, where he have contested using a logo depicting a chair.
His decision to contest has since drawn backlash from GPS leaders, with Abang Johari even expressing disappointment towards him for violating the agreement between PN-Bersatu and GPS just last night after the launching of the GPS Manifesto.
Some leaders even demanded disciplinary action against Ali, including sacking him as federal deputy minister.
Muhyiddin, who is also PN chairman, had on Nov 27 announced that the party will stay out of the Sarawak Election out of respect for the wishes of the GPS leadership and to ensure existing Sarawak-based parties can score an excellent win.
However, when Friday made a comment on Dec 3 that Ali had agreed to give up the seat, the incumbent’s immediate response saying he had not given way raised eyebrows of many quarters until nomination day, when he appeared at the nomination centre in Krian.
The two-term assemblyman explained that he had offered himself as the candidate for N39 Krian in the 12th Sarawak Election after taking into account the “views and desperation” of community leaders and Krian voters.
As an elected representative since 2011, he said it was the strong support and backing from the people that strengthened his resolve in wanting to continue to serve in Krian and Saratok.
Ali, who is also Saratok MP, also called on voters of Krian, N38 Kalaka and N40 Kabong to give their fullest support and backing to GPS candidates in the forthcoming election on Dec 18.
With Ali’s withdrawal, the Krian seat will now be reduced to a two-corner fight between GPS Friday and Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK)’s Danny Kuan, although it is uncertain if Ali’s chair logo will continue to be printed on the ballot paper. — DayakDaily
