KUCHING: Krian incumbent assemblyman Datuk Ali Biju (pic) is believed to have submitted his nomination papers, this time as an Independent candidate.

       A photograph on a social media page showed him wearing an Election Commission tag that is issued to candidates.

       Talk of Ali contesting in the election has been circulating since his party - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) - had announced that it will not be contesting in the state polls and would support its ally Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

       The two-term Krian assemblyman had won the ticket under PKR but had left the party to join Bersatu last year.

       GPS has also fielded a candidate for the seat - Friday Belik.

       Ali nor his aides could not be reached at time of writing.