PAS’ Arif Paijo yet to be confirmed for Beting Maro seat in Sarawak election, hopeful of swing votes

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, March 7: Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Sarawak commissioner Arifiriazul Paijo has yet to be officially confirmed as the party’s candidate for the Beting Maro seat in the upcoming Sarawak state election, but he is hopeful of swinging enough votes to improve on his previous performance if fielded.

Arifiriazul told reporters that candidate selections are subject to the party’s central committee approval.

“Our process starts at the Kawasan (parliamentary branch) level, where three names are usually proposed and sent to the State level for consideration.

“The State may add names, but the central committee will make the final decision,” he explained during a press conference after attending a breaking-of-fast event with media practitioners and representatives from non-governmental organisations at a local hotel here yesterday (March 6).

Asked if he could be considered for Beting Maro again, Arifiriazul said he could not confirm.

“The central committee meeting is tomorrow, but we won’t be touching on that,” he added.

PAS Sarawak has consistently contested Beting Maro since 2001. In the 2021 State election, Arifiriazul, then a newcomer, secured 2,058 votes, while incumbent Razaili Gapor (GPS-PBB) retained the seat with 3,769 votes, leaving PAS as a strong runner-up in the constituency.

Regarding his chances in a potential rematch, Arifiriazul said: “50-50 lah (sic). Based on the track record from the previous election, our core voters are very significant. We just need to swing a few percent more. Almost there.” – DayakDaily

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