Jamilah makes maiden entry in DUN as assemblywoman
DATUK Amar Jamilah Anu looked smart and energetic yesterday when attending the opening of the first meeting of the 18th State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) sitting for the first time as Tanjong Datu assemblywoman.
Jamilah replaced her husband, former chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who passed away on Jan 11 this year.
Following the demise of Adenan, a by- election was held for Tanjong Datu seat on Feb 18, where Jamilah contested under the Barisan Nasional (BN) ticket and won with a landslide majority of 6,443 votes in a three- cornered fight against candidates from State Reform Party Sarawak (STAR) and Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak ( PBDS) Baru.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, in his opening speech in the chamber, pointed out that the Tanjong Datu victory demonstrated the trust of the people towards BN to continue leading Sarawak.
“The strong mandate showed the contributions and development legacy of Adenan remained firm in the minds and hearts of Sarawakians especially residents of Tanjong Datu,” he said.
Speaking in a solemn manner, Taib said Adenan’s passing was a huge loss to the country in general and Sarawak in particular.
“All his contributions, struggles and sacrifices will be remembered and become a role model for leaders and the people of Sarawak as we strive to propel Sarawak to greater heights,” he added.
In expressing his deepest appreciation and gratitude to the late Adenan for all he had done for the betterment of Sarawak, the Head of State acknowledged that he was a great leader loved by his friends and foes due to his wisdom, courage and firmness in fighting for the rights and importance of Sarawak.
“He is a leader for the people for he had also fought selflessly for the wellbeing of the people regardless of race and religion. Even though his time in office was short, his leadership brought significant impact on the people,” he said.
The 53 principles and initiatives as well as the people- centric development approach which Adenan had introduced and implemented, Taib continued, were well accepted and enjoyed by people from all strata of society.
“Adenan will always be remembered and honoured for his firm and bold leadership especially in fighting and pursuing to get back autonomous power and rights of the state from the federal government as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he added.
Political stability, Taib reminded, is fundamental to the administration and development of Sarawak as evident in the smooth transfer of power between leaders.
“Ibelievethisisthemanifestation of Barisan Nasional leadership which always puts the importance of the people above all in order to ensure sustainable development of the state,” he commended.