A source close to DAP told FMT that Abdul Aziz was given the blessing by Sarawak DAP before midnight yesterday, after apparent discussions between PKR and DAP had reportedly failed.

“Abdul Aziz will contest in Batu Kitang. It was announced five minutes ago,” he told FMT.

Abdul Aziz had originally started working the ground for the seat since 2015, but had to swap for the Stakan state seat two weeks before nomination date after seat negotiations between DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng and PKR Deputy President Azmin Ali.

Yesterday, Chong issued the final call to PKR, urging the latter to adhere to the agreement reached between the leaders of both parties or expect additional competition for the Batu Kitang state seat.

Chong said this if PKR did try to contest in the controversial five seats -Tasik Biru, Mambong, Simanggang, Bukit Semuja and Mulu – where DAP had announced their candidates.

A handwritten note, allegedly signed by Azmin, had also surfaced yesterday showing the Selangor Menteri Besar had “agreed in principle” to give eight seats – Senadin, Mulu, Tasik Biru, Simanggang, Mambong, Bukit Semuja, Ngemah and Murum – to DAP.

Five seats – Batu Kitang, Marudi, Machan, Layar, Belaga – were given to PKR.

Late last night, PKR Vice-President Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin issued a statement pleading with DAP to use the last few hours to back off from claiming PKR’s “possible winning” seats.