KUCHING: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's Datuk Ali Biju has announced that he is pulling out from contesting the Krian seat as campaigning for the 12th Sarawak election entered its fourth day today.
The Saratok member of parliament also announced that he will fully support Gabungan Parti Sarawak's (GPS) candidate Friday Belik, who is also vying for the seat in the elections.
"I had offered myself as a candidate for the N39 Krian seat in the 12th Sarawak election after taking into consideration the support from community leaders as well as people at the state constituency.
"As a state assemblyman (in the Krian state seat) since 2011, the support and motivation cemented my determination to provide the best services to the people for their wellbeing, economic development in Krian and Saratok.
"However, I am aware that such a move will affect the good relationship between Bersatu and GPS," he said in a statement today.
Ali, who is also federal deputy energy and natural resources minister, also shared the statement on his official Facebook account.
He said he had received advice from the top leadership in Bersatu as well as assurances from the party's chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the understanding over national political framework reached between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and GPS.
"I am confident with the 'muafakat' (consensus) to continue strengthening the strong ties between PN and GPS.
"Therefore, I humbly and sincerely withdraw from contesting in Krian and that I will give my full support to GPS' candidate Friday Belik," he said.
He urged voters to give their full support to GPS candidates contesting at the three seats under the Saratok parliamentary constituency.
Apart from Krian, the other two seats are Kalaka and Kabong.
Sarawak Bersatu chairman Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian had earlier said that the party will not hesitate to take action against any of its leaders and members, including Ali, who contest in the state election without the consent of the party.
Strict disciplinary action includes having their membership immediately terminated.