KUCHING: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s decision to sit out of the state polls has rendered its sole assemblyman Datuk Ali Biju seatless.

       Following the decision, Ali will not be able to defend his Krian seat which he has held for two terms.

       The 53-year-old had won the seat in two previous state elections under Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s ticket.

       In February last year Ali, who is also Saratok MP, left PKR along with 10 other lawmakers in the “Sheraton Move” which led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.

       He joined Bersatu in August the same year.

       Ali, who is Deputy Energy and Natural Resources Minister, has been keeping mum since the announcement by his party and attempts to contact him for comments were unsuccessful.

       Political observers, however, believe that Bersatu’s decision to sit out of the polls and support Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in this election might have come with some “special arrangements”.

       National Professors Council senior fellow Dr Jeniri Amir said there could be some form of compromise between GPS and Bersatu before the decision was made.

       “I believe a win-win solution was reached between the two not just about contesting in the state polls but also on matters involving certain seats in the general election,” he said.

       Political analyst Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Bersatu’s decision not to contest had “saved them from losing”, pointing out that it is a new and unfamiliar party in Sarawak.

       “It would be difficult for them to get voters’ support as they not only have to compete with GPS but they will also have to fight with the local opposition parties which the voters are more familiar with.

       “Furthermore, Bersatu would not be able to make a mark if it contests and would only strain its relations with GPS,” added Prof Awang Azman.

       Both analysts agree that the question now is if Ali would honour his party’s decision not to contest or if he would renege and stand as an Independent.

       Jeniri said there was talk of Ali standing as an Independent to defend his seat but felt that it would be a wrong move should he do so.

       “It remains to be seen if he actually will make this move but I feel that he should not rock the boat and jeopardise any form of agreement that has been struck between Bersatu and GPS,” he said.

       Prof Awang Azman, however, said it would not come as a surprise if Ali actually stood as an Independent in the election.

       “He is popular in the area and is known as people-centric. While he may stand a chance since he is the incumbent, there will certainly be a fight,” he said.

       Ali won the Krian seat with a majority of 2,090 votes in his first election outing in 2011 and in 2016, he retained the seat with a majority of 1,640 votes.

       Polling for the Sarawak election will be on Dec 18, with nominations on Monday.