He said the widow of the late Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem was the best candidate for the by-election because of her qualifications and strong grassroots’ acceptance, which were important factors to ensure a victory for BN.
“This is not an issue of sympathy votes because for a long time now, she (Jamilah) has been close to the people there and was part of the late Adenan’s election machinery including during the last Sarawak state election.
“Actually, what I was most worried about was that she (Jamilah) was unwilling (to be a candidate) but perhaps after some consideration, she agreed. To me, she is the most qualified candidate (for the by-election).”
Hishammuddin said this when met by reporters at the wedding of state Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Consumerism Committee chairman Shahiruddin Ab Moin’s son, Muhammad Safwan and his bride Fairuzatul Amila Suhani, at Simpang Kallang, here, today.
Hishammuddin, who is also Defence Minister, hit out at the claims by certain quarters that choosing the widows of incumbents had become a new trend.
“We chose a candidate who could be accepted by the voters there. This is not a matter at the national level and surely the people there (in Tanjong Datu) know better who should be fielded as a candidate,” he said.
He also reminded the BN machinery not to take things easy in the by-election although they had won big in the state election last May.
“I hope they will come out in big numbers…work as hard as they can. I myself will go there to ensure the momentum is maintained and to continue with the message delivered in the last state election,” he said.
The Tanjong Datu by-election on Feb 18 will see a three-cornered contest involving Jamilah, Sarawak Reform Party (STAR) candidate Johnny Aput and Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru’s (PBDS) Rapelson Richard Hamit.
The by-election is being held following Adenan’s death from heart complications on Jan 11.
In the last state election, Adenan, 72, garnered 6,360 votes against only 468 votes obtained by PKR candidate, Jazolkipli Numan.