The strategy was devised by Adenan to break the deadlock in negotiations between BN coalition parties and former members of the coalition partners who formed splinter parties regarded as “BN-friendly” parties.
The disputes were between SUPP and its splinter party UPP, and between SPDP and its splinter, Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak.
Direct candidates campaign under the BN banner and not as representatives of their own parties.
The BN direct candidates who were elected are:
Ranum Mina (Opar), Jerip Susil (Mambong), Dr Johnical Rayong Nyipa (Engkilili), William Mawan Ikom (Pakan), Tiong Thai King (Dudong), Wong Soon Koh (Bawang Assan) Rosey Yunus (Bekenu), Paulus Palu Gumbang (Batu Danau), Miro Simuh (Serembu), John Ilus (Bukit Semuja) and Gerawat Gala (Mulu).
However, Janet Lau Ung Hie failed to wrest the Pelawan seat in a three-corned fight and lost to DAP’s Wong Kee Woan by 4,314 votes. Lau obtained 8,742 votes while Wong polled 13,056 and Priscilla Lau (Star) 597 votes.
Hii King Chiong failed to wrest the Pujut state seat in a four-cornered fight as Hii had 7,140 votes against 8,899 for DAP’s Ting Tiong Choon, while Fong Pau Teck (independent) took 375 votes and Jofri Jaraiee (PAS) 413.
A former DAP stalwart, Fong had sought re-election to Pujut. He stood as an independent after being expelled by the party for “going against the party” in the general election in 2013.
BN was returned to power with 72 seats of the 82-seat state assembly. DAP took seven and PKR three.
-BERNAMA