February 18 is the by-election date for Tanjong Datu, following the demise of its assemblyman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who was also the chief minister. File photo.
KUCHING: The Election Commission (EC) has announced February 18 as the by-election date for Tanjong Datu, following the demise of its assemblyman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who was also the chief minister.
Nomination of candidates will be held on February 4, while early voting will take place on February 12.
In the May 7 state election last year, Adenan won the seat with a 5,892-vote majority after defeating PKR candidate Jazolkipli Numan who only garnered 468 votes against Adenan’s 6,360.
In accordance with the provisions of Article 21(5) of the Sarawak Constitution, the Election Commission must call for a by-election for Tanjung Datu within 90 days from the date of notification on its vacancy.
The seat fell vacant following the demise of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem who passed away due to heart complications on Jan 11 at the Sarawak General Hospital Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan.
Names being bandied for the Barisan National candidacy to retain Tanjong Datu have been Adenan’s widow Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, another of their sons Abdul Aziz and the late Adenan’s confidants namely Bujang Helmi (his long-time political secretary) and Azmi Bujang who is Yayasan Sarawak director and former Lundu district officer.
A poll conducted by University Malaya’s Centre for Democracy and Elections (UMCEDEL) among residents of Tanjong Datu state constituency revealed that Azizul Annuar Adenan has the highest rating as a potential successor, research fellow Associate Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi had told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Meanwhile it was reported that Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Sarawak would not contest the Tanjung Datu seat as a show of respect for the late chief minister.