In a snub to the prime minister, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu has ignored his proposal for Mas Gading to be given to the incumbent who has been sacked from a BN component party.
KUCHING: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s proposal to field a direct Barisan Nasional candidate for Mas Gading for the coming general election was shot down by two branches of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu.
The two branches are in favour of Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party’s Anthony Nogih, the deputy general manager of Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra).
He was nominated to replace incumbent Tiki Lafe after he (Tiki) faces a drop following his sacking from SPDP in November in 2011 for gross insubordination.
Also sacked together with Tiki were Peter Nansian (Tasik Biru assemblyman), Sylvester Entri (Marudi), Paulus Gumbang (Batu Danau) and Rosey Yunus (Bekenu assemblywoman).
The expelled leaders have now identified themselves as ‘BN friendly’ and have formed ‘Kelab BN Sarawak’.
The group has strongly recommended that Tiki be re-nominated to defend the seat on ground that he is still popular and will be able to win the seat on behalf of Barisan Nasional.
But SPDP is adamant that it will not give way to Tiki since the seat has been allocated to the party under the BN principle and agreement.
During a Chinese New Year visit to Kuching, Najib has indicated the possibility of Tiki being fielded as a direct BN candidate in Mas Gading.
But his proposal was not accepted by PBB branches in Mas Gading, and their rejection is considered a snub for prime minister as well as an open defiance of his authority.
“Nogih is the best person to represent Barisan Nasional in defending the seat,” said Peter Minos, chairman of PBB Opar branch.
“There is no doubt that Nogih will be the best candidate if the BN principle and constitution are adhered to.
“To our friends in Mas Gading, do not worry about PBB. We will help each other to ensure victory,” said Minos, who is also PBB deputy information chief.
Minos said that Tiki’s chances of winning are slim after being dropped from the federal deputy minister’s post in 2008 and his sacking from SPDP in November 2011.
He said: “Just think of the reasons why he was dropped from the federal cabinet and why he was sacked from SPDP.
“Do you think he still can win? He is not,” Minos added.
Minos was alluding to allegations against Tiki for government contracts which were allegedly given to a family member, while he was deputy minister of rural and regional development.
MACC reports had been lodged against him.
He was appointed to the post by the then Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and was dropped after the 2008 general elections.
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