ALI Biju today announced today that he was withdrawing his candidacy for the Sarawak elections.

On Monday, the Sarawak Bersatu vice-chairman filed his nomination papers to contest the Krian seat as an independent candidate.

However, in a statement, incumbent Ali said he regretted the fact that his decision to contest in Krian would have affected the good ties between Bersatu and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

“I was advised by party leaders as well as receiving an assurance from Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Muhyiddin Yassin and GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg about co-operation within the national political framework between PN and GPS,” he said.

Ali’s prior decision to defend the seat as an independent was seen as contradicting a decision by Muhyiddin that the party stay out of the polls.

In a media conference yesterday, Abang Johari also expressed his disappointment over Ali’s move, as there had been a prior agreement that no Bersatu member will be contesting in the election. – Bernama, December 9, 2021.