Will GPS allow Bersatu to field Willie Mongin in Puncak Borneo?

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Gabungan Parti Sarawak Likely to Field Its Own Candidate for Puncak Borneo

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is reportedly not inclined to allow Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) to nominate Willie Mongin to defend the Puncak Borneo parliamentary seat in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15). Indications suggest that GPS intends to field its own candidate for the constituency. This development follows an invitation extended to Willie Mongin by Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) to join their party and contest under their ticket for GE15, should he be unable to do so with Bersatu.
Willie Mongin's Political Journey and Current Position

Willie Mongin, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Puncak Borneo, originally won his seat in the 2018 general election under the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) banner. In February 2020, he, along with Saratok MP Datuk Ali Biju, switched their affiliation to Bersatu. Selangau MP Baru Bian, who also won under PKR in 2018, joined Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) around the same time. Mongin has expressed gratitude for PBDS's invitation but has not confirmed his acceptance or his future political affiliation, declining to comment on whether he would remain with Bersatu.
PBDS's Offer and Rationale

Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) deputy president Julius Enchana explicitly offered Willie Mongin the chance to be a PBDS candidate for Puncak Borneo if his nomination through Bersatu becomes untenable. Enchana stated that PBDS represents the most "secure" option for Mongin, positioning it as a more suitable choice than national parties like Bersatu due to its local Sarawakian identity. He believes Mongin's charisma could attract more Bidayuh voters to PBDS, a party that already has a significant Bidayuh membership, including key office bearers.
Potential Implications for Puncak Borneo

The potential decision by GPS to field its own candidate in Puncak Borneo, rather than conceding the seat to Bersatu for Mongin's nomination, signifies a strategic move by the state-based coalition. This approach underscores GPS's intention to maintain control over seat allocations for parliamentary elections within Sarawak. The situation highlights the complex political realignments and negotiations occurring among parties in Sarawak as they prepare for the upcoming general election.

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Will GPS allow Bersatu to field Willie Mongin in Puncak Borneo?

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