Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, said although the unity government parties were prepared to offer support, GPS was in a strong position to retain the seat.
“GPS is a strong party in Sarawak, and Jepak is a traditional GPS seat. Therefore, we believe that GPS has a strong machinery to win the by-election.
“However, if our assistance is needed, we will help,” Zahid was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.
The Jepak seat was declared vacant following the death of assemblyman Talib Zulpilip on Sept 15.
Last month, Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the party was ready to face the by-election but he remained tight-lipped about the candidate’s identity.
Zahid’s remarks came after attempts by Sarawak DAP to persuade its PKR counterpart to reconsider its decision not to contest in Jepak.
Sarawak PKR deputy chairman Abun Sui Anyit said the party would not field a candidate for the sake of the unity government’s stability.
Nomination day for the Jepak by-election is on Oct 21 and polling day is on Nov 4.
Talib had been the Jepak assemblyman since 1996.