KUCHING: Since Malaysia is a democratic country, any party can contest in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15), said Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
“It is up to any individual whether he or she wants to change his or her parliamentary seat. This is the practice of democracy,” said the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president.
He said this when asked to comment on news that Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) secretary general Baru Bian would be contesting in Lawas in GE15.
The deputy premier reiterated that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would be fielding candidates to contest in all 31 parliamentary seats.
“We will make sure that GPS gets a big victory in Sarawak and not only in Lawas.
“Regarding the actions of opposition candidates contesting in different parliamentary seats, it is up to them.
“We are ready to face all possibilities that may happen in this GE15,” he said.
Asked by the media whether an assemblyman would be contesting in the election, Awang Tengah remained tight lipped.
“Let’s wait. The candidates will be announced by the premier,” he replied.
For the record, Baru is Selangau incumbent who managed to attain 11,228 votes in GE14. He defeated Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol from Barisan Nasional (BN) who garnered a total of 10,742 votes.
Meanwhile, the Lawas seat was retained by Datuk Henry Sum Agong who contested on the BN ticket in the last election; he won a majority of 6,000 votes against Danny Biri from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and independent candidate Mohamad Brahim.
GPS is expected to field 10 to 14 new faces and the announcement will be made on Nov 3.
