KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah dismissed the proposal to allocate several state seats to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) in state elections.
PKR strategic director Iswardy Morni earlier had called on Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to show its commitment to the unity government by conceding a few seats to PKR in Sarawak.
Abdul Karim, who is also the GPS leader, in responding to Iswardy's call criticised the suggestion, noting that Sarawak PKR should not expect to be given seats without having previously won any.
"We did not win when we contested, which shows the people did not support us," he was quoted hinting in a report in Borneo Post after attending an event at Sarawak Cricket Association in Petra Jaya.
The Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister emphasised that 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. So be realistic," he told the news portal.
Abdul Karim also threw a challenge at Iswardy to run in the next state election if he believes PKR has the backing of Sarawakians.
He said he previously invited Iswardy to contest in Asajaya, which 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," Abdul Karim said.
Recently, Karim cautioned PKR against risking GPS's cooperation with the unity government by contesting in the upcoming state polls, given GPS's dominance in the state assembly.
He asserted that while GPS supports the unity government, this support must not wane during elections.
Iswardy responded saying Abdul 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.