[UPDATED] Pas almost certain to contest three Sarawak seats, says state chief

KUCHING - The Islamist party, Pas, is almost certain to contest three state seats in the upcoming Sarawak election, according to the party's state chief, Mohammad Arifiriazul Paijo. The party has identified Semariang, Sebuyau, and Beting Maro as potential seats. However, the ultimate decision lies with the central leadership of Pas.

The Sarawak chapter of the party has already proposed contesting these three seats and asserts that its election machinery is prepared for the task. Arifiriazul also hinted at the possibility of contesting another seat in northern Sarawak, within either the Bintulu or Sibuti parliamentary constituency, although he declined to disclose the seat at this moment.

The party is currently shortlisting candidates for the three proposed seats. As for whether Pas would contest independently or as part of an alliance with other parties, discussions with several political partners are still ongoing and have not been finalized. Regardless of the outcome of these talks, Pas remains committed to contesting the three seats, whether they join a coalition or stand alone.

Arifiriazul emphasized that the decision to participate in the state government, should the party secure seats, would only be made when the appropriate time arrives. He also noted that Pas's victory in Sabah during the recent state election had bolstered the morale of its 8,000 members in Sarawak.

The coalition government led by Pas is yet to decide on contesting the Sarawak election.