By-election: PKR to meet next week

KUCHING: PKR Sarawak will meet next week to discuss their position with regards to the Tanjung Datu by- election.

Its chairman Baru Bian said a statement would be issued after consultation with the party’s local leaders and a consensus reached.

“We note the announcement today ( yesterday) of the nomination and polling dates for the Tanjung Datu byelection to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of former chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem,” he said in a press statement yesterday.

The Election Commission ( EC) yesterday announced Feb 18 as the by- election for Tanjung Datu. Nomination of candidates will be held on Feb 4, while early voting will take place on Feb 12.

EC chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hashim Abdullah on Jan 17, said he received an official notification from State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar on the vacancy of the Tanjung Datu seat following the death of Adenan.

The EC must call for a by-election for Tanjung Datu within 60 days after Asfia notifies the EC of the vacancy in accordance with the provisions of Article 21( 5) of the Sarawak State Constitution.

In the May 7 state election last year, Adenan won the seat with a 5,892-vote majority after defeating PKR candidate Jazolkipli Numan who only garnered 468 votes against Adenan’s 6,360 votes.