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PETALING JAYA: Analysts predict a tough run for former federal deputy energy and natural resources minister Ali Biju if he decides to defend his parliament seat of Saratok.
His re-election would be unlikely, said James Chin of the University of Tasmania’s Asia Institute and Dick Lembang Dugun of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
Describing Ali as persona non grata in Sarawak’s ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Chin told FMT he expected parties in the coalition to oppose letting the Bersatu man contest on the GPS ticket.
The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), a member of GPS, has said it has a candidate for Saratok.
Chin said Ali could either join one of the newer parties in Sarawak, such as Parti Bangsa Malaysia, or run as an independent candidate.
“Either way, he’s been considerably weakened politically. It will be very difficult for him to be re-elected.”
Dugun said Ali made a “big mistake” in joining Bersatu, “which will be an obstacle for him to entice voter support”.
Ali was a PKR vice-president when the Pakatan Harapan government was toppled. He joined Bersatu when it formed the succeeding government.
Chin said Bersatu, like Umno, was virtually powerless in Sarawak. “It’s GPS calling the shots.”
Dugun said Ali must now “seriously consider” his next move.
“Even if he contests as an independent candidate, I think his influence on supporters has been minimised.
“It must be remembered that his winning in GE14 was due to swing support from Malay voters.
“Ali must consider many things before joining the fray,” he said.
PDP vice-president Penguang Manggil was recently quoted as saying: “We have picked a local boy as our candidate to contest in Saratok. His candidacy has to be endorsed by the GPS leadership and we don’t see any problem with that.”
Asked whether Ali would be allowed to contest in Saratok in a swap deal considering that he withdrew from contesting for the Krian seat in the last Sarawak election, Penguang said: “Ali is from the party from Malaya (Bersatu). There is no room for any Malayan-based party to contest in general or state elections. We abide by that principle.” - FMT
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