Tanjung Datu by-election: Jamilah the right choice - Fatimah

The choice of Puan Sri Jamilah Anu as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Tanjung Datu by-election is "spot on", said Sarawak Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.

She said the widow of the incumbent, former Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem was well-known for her activist work besides having contributed much in relation to education, health and the environment.

Fatimah, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's women's wing deputy head, (PBB) said Jamilah was also a very humble and approachable person who was proficient in various dialects like Iban, Bidayuh and Hakka apart being well-versed in English.

"She was the one who went down to the ground to serve the people of Tanjung Datu while her husband was busy with his chief ministerial duties and this was admitted to Tok Nan (Adenan) himself," she told Bernama.

Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president, today announced that Jamilah, 61, will be the BN candidate for the Tanjung Datu by-election.

Adenan died from heart complications on Jan 11, just two weeks shy of his 73rd birthday.

Nomination and polling have been set for Feb 4 and Feb 18 respectively.

Former PBB information chief Datuk Peter Minos concurred that Jamilah was the best choice to defend the seat.

"I used to work with her at the Sarawak Heart Foundation and saw her dedication and commitment. She was also highly respected as a politician's wife," he said, adding that he would be joining in campaigning in the constituency which is made up mostly of people from the Bidayuh, Selako and Iban ethnic groups.

Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Nancy Shukri said the decision to field Jamilah as the candidate for Tanjung Datu was very wise and most welcome as PBB's women's wing had asked for a woman candidate.

"As PBB Women's wing secretary and Sarawak BN Women's wing secretary, I was so happy when I heard the chief minister announce that Puan Sri Jamilah Anu is the candidate for the Tanjung Datu by-election," said Nancy, adding that she was certain that Jamilah would continue the legacy of the late Tok Nan. - BERNAMA