The former president of the deregistered Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak, Leo Moggie, today strongly denied that he was behind an alleged secret pact between Snap and Barisan Nasional.

The former energy, communications and multimedia minister said he had not been involved in any political activity since quitting politics in 2004.      

"I am completely out of politics. I retired from politics many years ago and I remain retired from active politics," the Tenaga Nasional Berhad chairperson told reporters before attending the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry annual general meeting in Kuching.     

Moggie, who was an icon of Dayak politics, was asked to comment on the claim by the Sarawak Report blog that he reached out to Snap and arranged a secret deal between the party and BN.      

Responding to another question, Moggie, the first Iban to obtain a Masters degree, said that he did like to see too many people, especially Dayak, involved in politics.     

The MP for Kanowit from 1974 to 1999 said, "After my retirement, I find that there is actually more to life than politics."     

Moggie abruptly announced his resignation as PBDS president in 2003. His departure split the party into two camps and resulted in its de-registration.     

Taib to defend Balingian

Meanwhile Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud confirmed today that he will defend his Balingian seat in the state election.    

“That is why I am here," he said when approached by reporters during a  visit to the PBB Balingian service centre.     

Taib, who is state BN chairperson and PBB president, said the party would field about 25 percent new faces.     

He added that the state BN was at the same time finalising its list of candidates.     

"Once we are done, I will meet the Prime Minister (Najib Tun Razak) for his endorsement, maybe on April 1 or 2,” he said.     

On the possibility of BN fielding more women candidates, Taib said the coalition earlier had four to five individuals in mind.      

"But they declined due to family commitment, career consideration and other factors,” he said.      

Asked about incumbents who had stated their intention not to seek re-nomination, Taib said that this was a "positive, democratic sign" but "of course no one can stay there forever".     

- Bernama