In a statement, the Sarawak Bersatu vice-chairman said he had been “advised” by party president Muhyiddin Yassin to do so in the interest of the national political cooperation framework between Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
In announcing his withdrawal, the Saratok MP urged voters to support the GPS candidates in the three state seats which fall under his parliamentary constituency – Krian, Kalaka and Kabong.
Ali also said he now realises that his decision to contest as an independent candidate would affect the good relationship between GPS and Bersatu.
“Therefore, I withdraw my candidacy for the Krian seat and give my full support to the GPS candidate, Friday Belik.”
At a press conference yesterday, GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg had expressed disappointment over Ali’s decision to stand as an independent candidate.
Abang Johari said Muhyiddin had promised that action would be taken against Ali.
The Bersatu leadership had said earlier that the party would not contest in the polls and would instead help to ensure the success of its GPS allies.
However, Ali, who is also the deputy energy and natural resources minister, appeared to break ranks by standing as an independent for the state seat he held since 2011.
Ali was previously a state PKR leader but left the party following the Sheraton Move in February 2020.
Meanwhile, Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan has thanked Ali Biju for announcing his withdrawal.
“This withdrawal is a sacrifice by Ali and Bersatu to ensure that GPS wins comfortably in the Sarawak state elections,” he said in a Facebook post.
Sarawak goes to the polls on Dec 18, with early voting taking place on Dec 14.
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