Big majority proves people still remember Tok Nan's contributions - PBB sec gen

Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Datuk Jamilah Anu's big majority in the just-concluded Tanjong Datu by-election proves that the people in the constituency still remember and love the late Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, said Sarawak BN secretary Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

Rundi, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general said the increased vote majority garnered by Jamilah also showed that the new Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg was being accepted and gaining more respect from the people of Sarawak.

Asked if the pledges made by BN leaders during the by-election campaign had also contributed to the victory, Rundi, who is Sarawak Public Utilities Minister, said this was because the people believed in BN for its achievements and promises.

"BN leadership and PBB in particular have chosen the right candidate for the by-election," Rundi told Bernama.

Rundi's view was shared by Abang Johari's chief political secretary Abdullah Saidol who said that the result of the by-election was also a clear sign of the people's sincere acceptance of the new chief minister's leadership.

"At the same time, it is also a gesture of gratitude from the people for Adenan's deeds and contributions," he said.

He said Jamilah's challengers, Johnny Aput of Sarawak Reform Party and Rapelson Richard Hamit of the New Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak failed to secure popular votes because they did not understand the sentiment of the people.

The by-election was called following the death of Adenan on Jan 11 due to heart complications. -- Bernama