The director of Barisan Nasional (BN) machinery for the Tanjong Datu state by-election, Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, said three major factors have contributed to BN's victory last night.

Firstly, it is the sterling record of the incumbent Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who was Sarawak fifth chief minister, in the constituency, he said.

"The voters remembered and treasured Adenan's many contributions. They overwhelmingly want his widow, Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, to continue on with his legacy," he told a media conference at the Lundu Community Centre after the announcement of the by-election result.

"Secondly, it is Jamilah's personal quality as his successor. She is seen as the most qualified to replace him.

"She has, after all, accompanied him on almost every visits he made to the constituency and thus has very good knowledge of the people's aspirations and grievances," he said.

Wan Junaidi, who is also Natural Resources and Environment Minister, said the involvement of all BN component parties, in particular the Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), was the third factor for BN's victory.

"The PBB, right from its grassroot level to its top leaders including elected representatives and political secretaries, had worked with military precision in ensuring the victory," he said.

He said they also offered explanations to the people, especially on issues related to the Native Customary Right (NCR) land.

He also the Wanita division too had done their part very well with their house-to-house visits.

The visit by the country's top leaders like Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, had helped convincing the voters to continue to rally behind the BN, he said.

Jamilah polled 6,573 votes to win with a majority of 6,443.

Her two challengers could only managed a combined total of 238 votes. There were 80 spoilt votes.

On the very dismal performance of the two challengers Rapelson Richard Hamit of PBDS Baru and Johnny Aput of the Sarawak Reform Party (STAR), Wan Junaidi said the days of small political parties was over as far as the state was concerned.

"They come from outside the area. They made their sudden appearances with the by-election. They were unknown to the voters. They also capitalise on irrelevant issues. They were not serious politicians," he said.

Rapelson polled 130 votes while Johnny garnered 108 votes and both of them lost their deposits. -- Bernama