KUCHING: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhiyiddin Yasin has left it to Sarawak to decide whether Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) can contest in the upcoming state election.
Socio-political analyst Associate Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Muhyiddin, who is Bersatu president, did so because he wanted to foster good ties with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Despite this, the Prime Minister, nevertheless, hoped that Bersatu could contest to strengthen its position.
Awang Azman was commenting on Perikatan Nasional’s recent pledge to help Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the upcoming election. He added the pledge also indicated Bersatu would nominate its candidate.
“The cooperation between PN and GPS government is harmonious. However, the future depends on the political dynamics of PN in Putrajaya. GPS has announced that it will contest in all 82 seats and this means that Bersatu will have to face GPS if it wants to stand in Sarawak.
“The PM did not confirm whether Bersatu would contest in Sarawak because he wanted to study GPS’ and the Chief Minister’s reactions closely.
“Of course, he will not want to disappoint Bersatu Sarawak which wants to contest if he makes the announcement,” he said.
Awang Azman added that if GPS allowed Bersatu to contest, it would provide more options to voters in the state.
“This will give voters other options besides Pakatan Harapan (PH), Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) and so on.
“However, it might cause the relationship between GPS and Bersatu to become cold and this may affect cooperation at the Putrajaya level,” he said.
