The source said Rohani, who has served four terms as MP for Batang Lupar since 2004, had told GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg of her interest in defending the seat.

“She met him (Abang Johari) and offered to stand in Batang Lupar for one more term. However, she was told the matter could be ‘discussed’. The appointment lasted only about 10 minutes,” the source told FMT.

The source also said voters in Batang Lupar were keen on having a younger candidate represent them this time, adding that gender was not a criterion so long as it was a younger representative.

Rohani had previously been elected MP for Santubong three times from 1990 to 2004.

She was later nominated to stand in Batang Lupar in 2004 which she won uncontested, and was re-elected in 2008, 2013 and 2018.

New face for Batang Sadong?

The source said voters in the nearby Batang Sadong constituency would likely see a new candidate from PBB.

The constituency has been served by Nancy Shukri, 61, for three terms since 2008.

There is speculation that Nancy will replace Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar in Santubong, who has voiced his intention not to defend the seat after eight terms as an MP.

Wan Junaidi, 75, had been Santubong MP for four terms since 2004, and was MP for Batang Lupar from 1990 to 2004.