Adenan, The Star Online reported, announced this at the Debak community hall, near Betong, putting an end to speculation which cropped up in January that Jabu would step down.

Adenan also hinted that Jabu’s son, Gerald Rental, who is also the PBB deputy youth chief, could take over from his father.

The Sarawak Barisan Nasional chairman also revealed that Betong lawmaker Douglas Uggah Embas, who is plantation industries and commodities minister, would “return” to Sarawak to contest the Bukit Saban seat, currently held by Robert Lawson Chuat.

“We want Uggah to return to Sarawak. Enough lah of him ‘wasting time’ in Kuala Lumpur.

“We want him back. Robert Chuat, in good grace, is willing to vacate his seat,” the portal quoted Adenan as saying.

Jabu, 76, was first elected in 1973.

Last week, FMT reported that Adenan was set to elevate three prominent figures who will represent the new face of Dayak leaders in Sarawak’s biggest political party.

Apart from Uggah – who is rumoured to succeed Jabu as the deputy chief minister if he wins – the other two are Alexander Nanta Linggi, the deputy rural and regional development minister; and Stephen Rundi, Sarawak’s assistant public utilities minister (electricity and telecommunications).

The three senior leaders are believed to be Adenan’s chosen Dayak leaders in his plan to inject new blood into the administration of the party and the state.

There has been rumours for a few months that Jabu will not be fielded as a BN candidate in the coming state election because of calls for change. This was despite Jabu’s desire for one final term.