By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 10: Krian incumbent Datuk Ali Biju is responsible to explain to constituents on his pulling out from defending his seat and giving support to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said it is only right for Ali to do so after announcing his withdrawal from contesting in the 12th Sarawak Election.
“The (nomination) procedure took place from 9am to 10am and after that, there will be no withdrawal (once the names of candidates have been announced) and Ali’s name will still appear on the ballot paper.
“If he really wishes to withdraw his candidacy, he should have done so within 9am to 10am on Dec 6, and not after the nomination period,” he said.
He told reporters this during his work visit to Taiyo Yuden (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd’s new investment project at Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone here today.
Awang Tengah who is also the Bukit Sari incumbent further hoped that Ali would work hard to explain to his constituents on his recent pledge to give his full support to GPS candidate Friday Belik.
On Dec 9, Ali who is from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) announced he was withdrawing from contesting and defending his seat as an independent candidate in the coming State election.
He explained that the decision was made after receiving advice from his party’s top leadership as well as assurance from chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin regarding the national cooperation political framework between Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition and GPS.
Previously, Ali chose to submit his candidacy form as an independent candidate on nomination day on Dec 6, after Bersatu had announced that the party will stay out of the Sarawak Election out of respect for its ally GPS.
His decision to contest drew backlash from GPS leaders, with GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg even expressing disappointment towards Ali for violating the agreement between PN-Bersatu and GPS.
Asked to comment on the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) candidate contesting in Beting Maro seat, Awang Tengah said it is up to the party to decide.
“Leave them (PAS) be. If they wish to contest, we will fight (for the seat),” he added.
PAS is sending its candidate, entrepreneur Mohammad Arifiriazul Paijo, to contest in Beting Maro despite the Perikatan Nasional (PN), of which PAS is a component party of, being an ally of GPS.
GPS is not officially part of PN but supports the coalition led by Bersatu president Muhyiddin at the federal level. — DayakDaily
