By Lian Cheng, Cornelius Kadir Edison and Ling Hui
KUCHING, April 2: The GPS leadership will decide whether Bersatu candidates will be fielded in the upcoming Sarawak election.
The blessing was given by Parti Pribumi Malaysia Bersatu (Bersatu) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who also disclosed that there has yet to be discussion held between national ruling coalition Perikatan Nasional and Sarawak’s ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) over the matter.
“Whatever it is, we will discuss. It will depend on the discretion of the chief minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) and the leaders of Sarawak to make the decision.
“I don’t want to say more than that except that when the time is right, we will discuss the matter,” said Muhyiddin at a press conference held at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) today.
He was asked by the media whether Bersatu will field any candidate in the Sarawak Election which is imminent as the present term for the Sarawak Legislative Assembly will expire in early June.
Bersatu presently holds the State seat of Krian through Datuk Ali Biju who is also Deputy Energy and Natural Resources Minister.
After stating clearly that PN is giving full autonomy for GPS to make the decision on Bersatu candidacy, Muhyiddin who is also the prime minister pledged full support for GPS where he described seat allocation as secondary.
“I think due to the efforts of the chief minister and his cabinet leaders and GPS leaders who have worked hard, whatever situation, we from Bersatu and Pas (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) in Sarawak will give our fullest support.
“That is important. There will be no split. Seat or no seat, it is secondary. What is important is to ensure a big victory under GPS leadership in Sarawak,” said Muhyiddin.
He added it is crucial for GPS to form the next State government and expressed his wish that GPS may win even more seats, and if possible a landslide victory.
Also present at the press conference were Abang Johari, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, and PBB senior vice-president Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. — DayakDaily
