SIBU: The request by Deputy Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Ali Biju to contest under a Parti Pribumi Bersatu (Bersatu) ticket for the Saratok seat in the 15th General Election (GE15) will be discussed.

       Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said what Ali had asked for required discussion between the two party leaders first.

       "Perhaps what Ali asked for in GE15 lies in the decision of the top leadership between GPS and Bersatu.

       "It is up to both parties to discuss the matter to decide on his request," he said when met after launching the Sarawak State Fresh@Malaysia Programme Expansion on Samariang Aman 3 (Dec 11).

       Last night, Ali hoped that GPS could give the Saratok parliamentary seat to Bersatu as he had announced that he will not be contesting in the race for the Krian state seat in the current state polls.

       Ali said the decision was for the common good and to ensure good relations between the two parties continued to be on the right platform.

       "We hope that in GE15, GPS can consider and give me the opportunity to continue to defend the Saratok Parliamentary seat," he said at a press conference at the Saratok Parliament Service Center last night.

       In response, Nanta thanked Ali for stepping down and announcing himself not to contest in the Krian state seat.

       "By doing so, it can be said that Ali showed the loyal spirit of friendship between Bersatu and GPS," he added.