SARATOK: Do not waste time by casting a vote for Krian incumbent Datuk Ali Biju, as he has withdrawn from the election, says Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.

       Although Ali said he has pulled out of the Krian race, his name will still appear on the ballot paper on polling day, and any vote for him would still count.

       Rentap, however, said the Krian constituency will benefit more if their assemblyman is from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), due to the stability the coalition can offer.

       "He (Ali) has no principles. Not only is he a party-hopper or a frog, but he defied the orders of his party not to contest in the state election, only to later withdraw after being nominated.

       "If you are knowledgeable about the law, you would know that you should withdraw before 10am on nomination day.

       "Why only do it a few days after? If this was part of a school examination, he would fail badly," said Rentap, when met at Rumah Engkudu here on a GPS campaign trail in Krian.

       He was lending support to the GPS candidate for Krian, Friday Belik.

       Rentap himself is contesting in the neighbouring constituency of Layar, where he is defending his seat.

       On Thursday (Dec 9), Ali made a U-turn when he announced his withdrawal from the Krian contest - three days after he was nominated as an independent candidate.

       Ali, who was Krian assemblyman, has said he will support GPS and their candidate Friday.

       Friday, who is contesting in an election for the first time, is aware of his opponent's popularity in Krian.

       "We cannot be complacent. He may have loyal supporters who might still cast their votes for him even though he has said he has withdrawn.

       "Last night, he met me and personally told me he will do his best to tell his supporters to vote for GPS," said Friday.

       Friday, however, was confident with GPS' track record and that the people will gain more if they voted for the party.

       "For 10 years, the Krian seat has been an Opposition area and the people will know that it is better if they are represented by the government," Friday said.

       The Krian contest is a four-way fight involving Friday, Ali, Musa Dinggat from Parti Sarawak Bersatu and Danny Kuan from Parti Bumi Kenyalang.

       A predominantly Iban area, Krian is located in the Saratok parliamentary constituency.

       The area is in the Betong division - a four-hour drive from Kuching.