KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) has confirmed that it will not contest the 13th Sarawak election next month.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the decision was in line with an understanding between Umno and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
“BN has no intention of contesting any state seats in Sarawak, as this is the understanding between Umno and PBB in Sarawak.
“Umno and BN have never intended to field any candidates in the Sarawak election,” he told reporters after attending the People’s Progressive Party’s Deepavali open house here today.
The 13th Sarawak election will be held on Dec 12, with nomination day on Nov 28 and early voting on Dec 8.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg will announce the coalition’s 82 candidates for the election on Nov 25.
Abang Johari said the list would comprise candidates from all four component parties.
GPS comprises PBB, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).