Universiti Malaya Sarawak (Unimas) associate professor Jeniri Amir said Jamilah was popular with Sarawakians as she had campaigned alongside her late husband Adenan Satem ever since he won the Tanjung Datu seat in 2006.

“She has been on the ground with Adenan for many years. She knows the problems and aspirations of the people very well.

“Sarawakians love Jamilah because she is very humble,” he told FMT.

The death of Adenan, who was former Sarawak chief minister, on Jan 11 left the Tanjung Datu seat vacant.

Jeniri said: “With the current sentiments of grief and sympathy on the ground, I think the people would want Jamilah to carry on Adenan’s legacy.”

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaya associate professor Awang Azman Pawi said Jamilah’s close relationship with her late husband had endeared her to many, including BN component parties.

“Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and Jamilah have a very close relationship because wherever Adenan was, she was there too.

“She is also well-respected by Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and SUPP,” he told FMT.

Awang pointed out that Jamilah was a humble and educated leader, traits that would resonate well with the grassroots in the Tanjung Datu constituency.

He lauded recently appointed Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg’s decision to field Jamilah in the by-election.

“This shows that Abang Johari is a leader who listens to the sentiments of Sarawakians.”

Sarawak PKR and PAS have announced they would be abstaining from contesting, while DAP has yet to decide.

Awang and Jeniri are confident that opposition parties would lose by a large margin should they contest in what is regarded to be a PBB stronghold.

“Not only will they (opposition) lose the polls but their deposits, too,” Jeniri said.

Last year, Adenan retained Tanjung Datu with 6,360 votes against 468 votes picked up by PKR candidate Jazolkipli Numan, who lost his deposit.

There are 9,899 voters in Tanjung Datu.

Nominations will take place on Feb 4 for the by-election on Feb 18.