Ali Biju denies surrendering his seat for GPS to contest

 

SARAWAK POLLS | Bersatu's Ali Biju has denied giving up the Krian seat for GPS to contest in his stead, and hints that he is still considering defending his seat for a third term.

This is after the ruling state coalition's candidate for Krian, Friday Belik from PDP, claimed that Ali would not be contesting.

"I have never agreed to surrender my seat to PDP, as stated by Friday," the Krian-incumbent said in a statement tonight.

"My supporters and the vast majority of my constituents have insisted that I should continue to serve them and the entire constituency of Krian, and to defend my incumbency," he added.

Ali said he would discuss defending his seat with Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and GPS chairperson Abang Johari Openg.

Muhyiddin had previously said that Bersatu would not contest the Sarawak election.

Friday had been handed his candidacy authorisation letter in a ceremony in Kuching today that was attended by Abang Johari - who is also the Sarawak chief minister.

According to Borneo Post, he had hoped to get Ali to throw his support behind GPS in the state election.

"With the revelation that Ali is not going to contest this time, I think our chances will be much better and we expect him to help us, especially with all his supporters (whom) we will be able to work together with for the sake of people in Krian.

“However, there has not been a formal discussion on this, but we will try to get him to discuss it,” Friday was quoted as saying,

Ali previously won the Krian seat in 2011 and 2016 on a PKR ticket.

He defected from PKR during the Sheraton Move and subsequently became a Bersatu member and a GPS-friendly assemblyperson.

 - Mkini