KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu’s Saratok MP Datuk Ali Biju has announced his withdrawal as candidate for the Krian state seat in an effort to smoothen relations between Bersatu and Gabungan Parti Sarawak following his earlier decision to contest the seat as an independent.
In a statement today, Ali expressed his regret and pledged to throw his support behind GPS candidate Friday Belik instead.
“I had offered myself as a candidate for the Krian seat after taking into account the views and demands of local leaders and voters in the constituency.
“As an elected representative since 2011, their endorsement and support have strengthened my resolve to continue my services and economic development of the people in Saratok and Krian.
“However, I realised that this decision will ruin the good relations between Bersatu and GPS,” he said.
Having received advice from the party’s leadership and assurances from Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the national political workframe between PN and GPS led by Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Ali expressed his full confidence that the cooperation would continue to be strengthened.
“As such, I sincerely announce my withdrawal as Krian candidate and will give my full support to GPS candidate Friday Belik.”
He called on all voters in Krian, Kalaka, and Kabong in Saratok to fully support GPS.
On Monday, Ali had confirmed that he would be standing as an independent candidate in the Krian constituency, despite the party’s expressed decision to not run in Sarawak.
The decision was criticised by Abang Johari who expressed his disappointment with Ali’s move.
Ali is Sarawak Bersatu vice-chairman and a federal deputy energy and natural resources minister.
Despite his actions, he has not resigned from Bersatu.
Last week, Muhyiddin said that Bersatu will not participate in the state polls, instead supporting GPS. – The Vibes, December 9, 2021
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