Adenan’s widow, Jamilah Anu, won the by-election with a 6,443 majority, securing 6,573 votes, which is 551 more than what Adenan garnered in the state election in May last year.

Calling it a clear indication of the people’s approval of the policies laid down by his predecessor, the late Adenan Satem, the CM said it also reflected the strong cooperation between the BN parties in the state.

“It also shows that we are really working as a team and that the people understand our policies which will be continued by me and Jamilah as the assemblywoman for Tanjung Datu,” Abang Johari told a press conference after watching the live telecast of the result announcement at Jamilah’s residence in Damai Jaya last night.

He assured voters that all the promises made in last year’s election and any new ones made during the campaigning for this by-election would be fulfilled.

“We still have many years to carry out the policies which have been prepared by Tok Nan, which is to develop Sarawak and defend the rights of each Sarawakian,” he was quoted as saying by the Sarawak-based daily.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) Jamilah defeated her two opponents, Sarawak Reform Party (STAR)’s Johnny Aput and Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru’s (PBDS Baru) Rapelson Richard Hamit, who received 108 and 130 votes, respectively.

Both opposition candidates lost their deposits, as per EC rules for failing to obtain at least one-eighth of the total votes cast.

The EC reported a voter turnout of 69.2% short of the targeted 75% turnout. A total of 80 votes were spoilt. In last year’s state election, Tanjung Datu recorded a voter turnout of 70.10%.

In last year’s state election, Adenan, as incumbent, won the seat with a total of 6,360 votes, defeating Jazolkipli Numan from PKR who polled 468 votes. The PKR candidate also lost his deposit.

PKR decided to stay out of the by-election out of respect for Adenan.