KUCHING: The decision for Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) to contest for the Saratok Parliamentary seat in the upcoming general election is in line with Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS’) intent to contest in all 31 parliamentary seats.
PDP vice president Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said this in response to allegations that the party is refusing to honour its end of the deal to give up the Saratok Parliamentary seat to Bersatu in exchange for Datuk Ali Biju to hand over the Krian state seat to PDP in the last state election.
“If we look back in November 2021, Bersatu has agreed not to contest in the 12th state election including in the Krian state assembly.
“However, Ali Biju did not agree with the decision of the Bersatu president and continued to contest as an independent candidate.
“This shows that he was not sincere and only withdrew himself three days after the nomination day. Technically by then, he can no longer withdraw,” he explained.
He added that even after withdrawing, Ali did not openly dismantle his election machinery.
“As a matter of fact, there are sources saying that his machinery continued to campaign and subsequently managed to obtain 1,777 votes in the state election.
“So, doesn’t it show that he and his supporters are not sincere and dishonest in this understanding?
“If GPS in general, and PDP in particular decide to place a candidate in the Saratok Parliamentary seat, who can they blame? Moreover, ask yourself, who actually did not honour his word?” he said.
Nevertheless, Penguang assures that PDP will work hard to make sure it can deliver for GPS with the support of GPS’ machineries.
“Remember, PDP is a component party of GPS and I am sure other component parties of GPS – PBB, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) – will not let us down.
“We will work the extra mile and will continue to deliver to the people together as a local based party.
“Together, we will fight for Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 or (MA63) and the Malaysian Constitution,” he said, adding that the party will not contest under its flag as alleged as it is a party under GPS.
