Muhyiddin, who is also chairman of Perikatan Nasional (PN), said he made the decision after meeting with the head of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and chief minister Abang Johari Openg recently.
The former prime minister also revealed that Abang Johari was, however, open to the idea of GPS allowing friendly parties, including PN, to fight alongside the coalition in the 15th general election (GE15).
“Bersatu will not contest in Sarawak although we believe there are seats that we can win.
“This is to ensure that the existing parties in the state ruling coalition perform well.
“We respect the views of the GPS leadership, as their coalition is strong in Sarawak and we also partnered with them in the federal government when I was the prime minister,” Muhyiddin told reporters after opening the third delegates meeting of the Pagoh Bersatu division today.
He said GPS’ priority in the elections was to retain the seats it currently held.
The Sarawak state elections will take place on Dec 18 with nomination day set for Dec 6 and early voting on Dec 14. There are 82 seats up for grabs.
On the resignation of Bersatu vice-president Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen as Melaka PN chairman and state Bersatu chief, Muhyiddin said his successor would be named soon.
Muhyiddin said it was commendable of Rafiq to step down and allow the state party leadership to be reshuffled after the Melaka state election.
“It is clear he is giving way to new leadership and this is an honourable move. I will decide on his replacement in a few days time,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
Yesterday, Rafiq announced that he was relinquishing his state posts with immediate effect to make way for a new leadership that would have sufficient time to prepare for GE15.
Asked on Umno’s suggestion for GE15 to be expedited, Muhyiddin said he had requested Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to hold discussions to determine a suitable time to hold the election.
“But I am sure due considerations will be given to the current situation and also the cooperation forged between political parties under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to stabilise the political situation,” he said, according to Bernama.
On Nov 21, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan called for GE15 to be held sooner as public sentiment seemed to be on the side of BN after its recent success at the Melaka state polls.