Sarawak Polls: Two Bersatu candidates determined to contest

KUCHING: Despite calls by Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin for his three other Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia comrades to withdraw from the election, at least two of them are sticking to their decision to contest.

Siki Balarik, who was contesting as an Independent for the Belaga seat said she had already made all the preparations to contest and it would not be right for her to pull out now.

“If Ali decides to withdraw, that is his decision. But I am determined to contest,” she said when contacted.

Ricky, who was eyeing the Bawang Assan seat also said he was not going to change his mind.

“I want to contest and I have been preparing for this. On whether the party will sack me, I will leave it to them to decide but for now, I will focus on the election,” he said.

Ismawi Muhammad, who was contesting in Muara Tuang could not be contacted.

After insisting that he would defend his seat, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s Krian incumbent Datuk Ali Biju has made a sudden U-turn by withdrawing from the race.

In calling for the three to withdraw their candidacy, Willie said party members should abide by the pact between Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“We at the party level know the party’s stand on this and the president wants all members to help and support GPS candidates,” he said at an event in Kampung Pinchin in Serian, about 70km from here.