‘Only one’ - PAS contests sole, best performing seat in Sarawak

 

SARAWAK POLLS | PAS will contest just one seat in the upcoming Sarawak election, clashing with federal government partners GPS in Beting Maro.

This is a far cry from the 11 seats it initially considered contesting.

This seat choice is significant because PAS had its strongest showing here in the 2016 state election, coming in second in a three-cornered fight with 38.5 percent of the vote share.

In a press conference in Kuching tonight, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man acknowledged the party’s strength in Beting Maro.

He added that Sarawak-wide party machinery will be mobilised there.

“We are contesting only one seat.

“We hope to focus all our machinery on this one seat,” he said.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, party members from other states will not be helping with the campaign.

PAS is fielding Sarawak PAS secretary Mohammad Arifiriazul Paijo (photo) in the seat.

Back in 2016, the 37-year-old businessperson contested and lost in Lambir.

No prior discussion with GPS

Pressed on why PAS was fielding just one candidate instead of 11 as previously announced, Tuan Ibrahim cited concerns about the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also indicated that the party wanted to be less antagonistic with incumbent state government GPS.

“Domestic politics needs a more harmonious and calm atmosphere so we can focus on overcoming the pandemic and reviving the economy.

“Plus, we have a relationship at the federal level with government parties including our friend from Sarawak - GPS,” he said.

“By contesting, we hope this will serve as a sign of our participation in the country’s democratic system,” he also said.

Two-term Beting Maro assemblyperson Razaili Gapor of GPS lynchpin party PBB will be defending his seat.

Tuan Ibrahim said PAS did not inform GPS of its decision to contest the seat before tonight’s announcement. 

“We did not inform PBB. This is a party (PAS) decision and we will respect all parties who contest,” he answered when asked.

PBB vice-president Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah previously panned PAS’ intention to contest, pointing out that its Sarawak candidates had never won and often lost their deposits. - Mkini