PKR decides not to contest in Tanjung Datu by-election

The Sarawak PKR decided not to stand in the upcoming Tanjung Datu by-election next month, citing the reason as to focus its attention on the 14th General Election (GE14).

Its chairman Baru Bian said the decision was also as a gesture of giving the state government the chance to carry on and implement all the promises made by the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

"PKR sees some of the visions chartered by the late Chief Minister, (Tan Sri Adenan Satem) was indeed in line with PKR's vision and Sarawakians' aspiration, and it is time for his successor, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg to implement it in years to come.

"He (Abang Johari) has done a good job in his first press conference, saying that he will pursue the vision of the late Chief Minister, that is a good starting point," he said in a press conference at the PKR headquarters here today.

However, he said PKR was concerned if Abang Johari would implement or able to fulfil that and that it would be up to the people to judge him.

The by-election for the Tanjong Datu state seat is being held following the death of Adenan, 72, the incumbent assemblyman due to heart complications on Jan 11 at the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan near here.

In the 11th Sarawak state election in May last year, Adenan polled 6,360 votes beating the PKR candidate, Jazolkipli Numan who obtained only 468 votes, with a majority of 5,892 votes.

Baru said the today's decision was not subjected to the approval of the national PKR in Kuala Lumpur as they had left the decision to the state, and the decision was conclusive and final. - BERNAMA