Jamilah is Adenan’s widow.

Awang Azman Pawi, an associate professor at Universiti Malaya, said: “Jamilah has vast experience in public life. Everyone knows she was the woman behind Adenan’s political success. If she contests in Tanjung Datu, she will either win unopposed or gain a landslide victory.”

According to news reports, Jamilah is one of the candidates that Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leaders are considering for the seat.

“If Jamilah wins,” Awang Azman said, “The chief minister will have to consider her for an assistant minister’s post because of her credentials.”

Another analyst, Jeniri Amir of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, said BN will romp home whomever it fields in Tanjung Datu.

“It’s a PBB rural stronghold,” he said. “With the sympathy votes, it will definitely be a 100% win for BN.”

Jeniri said there were other good candidates besides Jamilah. “One is Azmi Bujang.”

Azmi, the director of Sarawak Foundation, was Adenan’s private secretary. “He understands Adenan’s aspirations for Sarawak,” Jeniri said.

Meanwhile, Azman also suggested Azizul Anwar Adenan, the late chief minister’s son, whom he said was well educated and widely admired for his humble attitude.

“Azizul has experience in the state planning unit,” he said. “In fact, he represents the new generation of Sarawakian leaders. He has talent in politics and I believe he will win big in the Tanjung Datu contest.”

Adenan died from heart complications last Wednesday. He led Sarawak BN to an impressive victory in the last state election, giving the coalition 72 out of 82 state seats. He won the Tanjung Datu seat with a majority of 5,892 votes.