Tanjong Datu by-election: BN wins by bigger majority

LUNDU: Barisan Nasional has won the Tanjong Datu by-election with an even bigger majority than in the last Sarawak state election.
BN candidate Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu defeated Parti Reformasi Negeri Sarawak's (STAR) Johnny Aput and Rapelson Richard Hamit from Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) Baru, by a majority of 6,443 votes.
She polled 6,573 votes while Johnny Aput managed only 108 votes and Rapelson just 130 votes. Both her opponents lost their deposits.
The results were announced by Returning Officer Hamsein Atar at the Lundu Community Hall at 8pm.
The by-election was called following the death of the incumbent Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who was also Sarawak's fifth Chief Minister, due to heart complications on Jan 11. He was 72.
To continue his legacy for the people of Tanjung Datu, the BN had fielded his wife Jamilah as its candidate.
In the last Sarawak state election held on May 11 last year, Adenan had defeated PKR candidate Jazolkipli Numan by a majority of 5,892 votes. He obtained 6,360 votes while Jazolkipli only managed 468 votes.
This time around, PKR had early on announced that it would not contest the by-election out of respect for Adenan.
The bigger majority obtained by Jamilah speaks volumes of the faith the constituents have in her and the fact they want her to continue her husband's legacy. — Bernama