MIRI – Sarawak PKR will not challenge the state’s ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the coming Jepak by-election, said its state party deputy chairman.
Abun Sui said state PKR leaders held a leadership council meeting last night and unanimously agreed not to field a candidate in Jepak.
“Jepak is traditionally a seat PKR had contested in past elections.
“During those times, Sarawak PKR fielded candidates in state constituencies against the ruling state government.
“However, the political scenario is very different now, and PKR are partners with GPS in the unity government in Putrajaya.
“The unity government is still very young, so we cannot have a situation where we ‘rock the boat’ as far as it is concerned.
“That is why Sarawak PKR have decided not to contest in the Jepak by-election,” he told reporters here.
However, Sui, who is also Sarawak Pakatan Harapan (PH) information chief, said that the other PH partners are free to make their own decisions.
The Jepak by-election will be on November 4, with nominations on October 21 and early voting on October 31.
The by-election was called following the death of incumbent assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip on September 15.
Talib, who was formerly a minister in the state premier’s department, was a six term assemblyman from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, a component of the GPS state government. – The Vibes, September 26, 2023
