KUCHING: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (BERSATU) move to field a candidate in the Puncak Borneo parliamentary seat in the 15th general election (GE15) will not be well received, says a political observer.
Datuk Peter Minos said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) had taken a firm stand to contest in all the 31 parliamentary seats.
He stressed that it was a matter of principle which conformed to the political aspirations of Sarawakians.
“Peninsular-based political parties are not welcome in Sarawak and that is the mood among Sarawakians. GPS fully respects that mood and political sentiments as clearly shown in the last state election.
“Similarly, Peninsular-based BERSATU is not wanted in Puncak Borneo and if BERSATU insists on fielding a candidate there, so be it but GPS will resist and slog it out. This is nothing personal, it is a defence of its political principle,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 10).
Minos noted that the GE15 was expected to be held very soon, given the endless political crisis occurring in Malaya.
“The decision on who PBB and GPS will pick as the candidate to contest in Puncak Borneo is entirely up to the top leaders. After all, the decision is theirs to make,” he added.