“They can decide later which party they want to join, provided they are still loyal to BN and the party has supported them fully in the campaign,” he told a press conference at Wisma Bapa here today.

The chief minister was apparently referring to Teras and United People’s Party (UPP), which are not component parties of BN officially.

Direct candidates from Adenan’s party, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), however, said they would also resign from the party as PBB had already finalised its list of 40 candidates and they will now have to contest directly under the BN “dacing” (weighing scales) symbol if chosen.

“It is a BN requirement that they (direct candidates) must resign from the party. They have to resign before nomination date.

“What is important is for BN to win more than 41 seats (to form the government),” Adenan said.

Adenan today announced that Miro Anak Simuh, John Anak Ilus and Gerawat Jala would become BN direct candidates for Serembu, Bukit Semuja and Mulu respectively.

Former Perlis Mufti Juanda Jaya was named Jemoreng candidate for PBB, besides Idris Buang (Muara Tuang), Awla Dris (Simunjan), Shafiee Ahmad (Daro) Mohd Chee Kadir (Kabong) and Jefferson Jamit Unyat (Bukit Goram).

Adenan also said PBB would field Ambros Belikau (Katibas), Wahab Aziz (Kalaka) and Douglas Unggah (Bukit Saban).

Ambros and Douglas are both incumbents.

The Sarawak legislative assembly was dissolved on Monday.

The Election Commission will announce the Sarawak state election date on Thursday.