Abdul Karim rejects proposal to allocate Sarawak state seats to PKR

KUCHING (Aug 2): Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah dismisses the proposal to allocate several state seats to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

PKR strategic director Iswardy Morni had urged Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to demonstrate its commitment to the unity government by conceding seats.

In response to this, Abdul Karim, who is GPS leader, criticised the suggestion and noted Sarawak PKR should not expect seats without having previously won them.

“We did not win when we contested, which shows the people did not support us,” he explained the scenario.

Abdul Karim was responding to a reporter’s question regarding the matter after attending an event by Sarawak Cricket Association at Petra Jaya here today.

The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister also emphasised parties based in Sarawak have a better understanding of Sarawakian issues compared to those from outside the state.

“Of course, they (PKR) can run (in Sarawak) for democracy’s sake, but democracy can be interpreted in various ways.

“If a candidate wins unopposed, that’s also democracy. Be realistic,” he added.

Karim also challenged Iswardy to run in the next state election if he truly believes PKR has Sarawakians’ support.

He mentioned he had previously invited Iswardy to contest in Asajaya, but he declined.

“In the next election, I invite him once again to run. I am not being arrogant, but I want to see his standing and the acceptance of Sarawakian voters.

“Don’t just talk without taking action,” he said.

Recently, Karim cautioned PKR against risking GPS’s unity government cooperation by contesting in the upcoming state polls, given GPS’s dominance in the state assembly.

He asserted while GPS supports the unity government, this support must not wane during elections.

In response, Iswardy suggested that Karim should have discussed the issue with Sarawak PKR privately rather than making public statements.

He also proposed that GPS allocate several seats to PKR, Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Amanah to prevent them from contesting in the state elections.