KUCHING: The Progressive Democratic Party will keep a close eye on campaign activities in Krian to see if incumbent Datuk Ali Biju makes good on his pledge to support its candidate Friday Belik.

       Its vice-president Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil (pic) said the party is looking forward to Gabungan Parti Sarawak winning the seat.

       PDP is one of the four coalition parties of GPS.

       “Ultimately, the bottom line is a winning outcome for GPS in Krian come Dec 18,” Penguang was quoted saying by the Borneo Post on Sunday (Dec 12).

       Penguang has been vocal in the run up to the 12th state polls in asking Ali to refrain from contesting in Krian in the spirit of goodwill and because Ali's Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and GPS are partners in the federal government.

       Ali, who won the Krian seat in the 2011 and 2016 state election under the PKR ticket has left the party and has since joined Bersatu.

       While Bersatu had announced that it would sit out this election, Ali had submitted his name for candidacy as an Independent during the Dec 6 nomination day.

       He announced his withdrawal from the election race on Dec 9 and said that he would give his full support to Friday.

       Despite this, Ali’s name will still appear on the ballot paper as the election regulations state that no candidate is allowed to withdraw after 10am on Nomination Day.