Bittersweet win for Jamilah
It was a bittersweet victory for Barisan Nasional candidate Puan Sri Jamilah Anu, who retained the Tanjong Datu seat in a byelection with a big majority.
The 62-year-old dedicated her victory to her late husband, Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who was the former incumbent.
“This is his birthday present, which was on Jan 27.
“I would also like to dedicate this win to our 37th anniversary, which was on Feb 14.
“We could not celebrate our memorable occasions together,” a sombre-looking Jamilah said at her Damai Jaya home here last night.
Jamilah, who is fulfilling her iddah (grieving) period, pledged to continue carrying out her husband’s good work done for the people of Tanjong Datu.
“I will continue his legacy. But, I would like to tell the people that we can’t do things overnight.
“So, what had been promised will take time to be implemented in stages,” she said.
“I will meet them at a suitable time after iddah,” she said.
Earlier, she burst into tears when an imam, who had recited a prayer to celebrate BN’s victory, mentioned Adenan’s name.
“Everyone worked so hard, regardless of races, religion, the young and the old.
“I know we (BN component parties) are still on ‘TeamAdenan’.
Jamilah also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak through a phone conversation for his support.
“Thank you for making the effort to come over for me, and for the support of all BN components at the federal and state levels,” she was heard saying in her conversation with Najib.
Sarawak BN chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Abang Openg said victory would allow the state government to carry out its pledges for the people of Tanjong Datu.
“I’m confident that Jamilah, who has the experience, can deliver when the time comes,” said Abang Johari at the press conference.
In Jamilah’s son, Azizul Annuar Adenan, thanked voters and the BN election machinery for his mother’s victory.
“Insyallah (God willing), I will help my mother to engage and champion the struggles of the people in Tanjong Datu,” he said.