Malaysia GE15: Muhyiddin denies breaking promise to GPS against contesting in Sarawak

Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin has denied reneging on a promise made to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) that PN would not contest in the East Malaysian state during the 15th General Election (GE15).

The former prime minister claimed that the promise he made to GPS chairman Abang Johari Abang Openg only concerned his Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) involvement in the previous Sarawak state polls, and not during the current parliamentary election.

He said this in response to GPS’ recent criticism that PN has broken its promise not to contest seats in Sarawak after PN announced that it would contest four parliamentary seats in Sarawak.

PN’s Bersatu candidates: Ali Biju, Jugah Muyang, and Duke Janteng are contesting in Saratok, Lubok Antu, and Bintulu respectively.

Meanwhile, another PN component party, Parti Se-Islam Malaysia’s (PAS), is fielding Hamdan Sani in Batang Lupar.

Muhyiddin clarified that the agreement with Abang Johari was made before the 12th Sarawak state election late last year.

Prior to the state election, Abang Johari had asked for Muhyiddin’s support, as Bersatu president, to dissuade Bersatu candidates from contesting in the election.

Muhyiddin reportedly agreed for PN not to contest in the Sarawak state election out of respect to Abang Johari, by withdrawing its candidate former Krian assemblyman Ali Biju from contesting.

Muhyiddin said that while PN respected GPS’ policy, PN is already established in Sarawak and as PN chairman he has to respect and appreciate Bersatu and PN leaders in the state.

Agencies