LUNDU: The selection of Puan Sri Jamilah Anu as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Tanjong Datu state seat by-election was made based on merit.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak dismissed the notion that Jamilah's candidacy is solely because she is the widow of the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
"Jamilah was appointed BN candidate based on (criteria that she meets) and her qualifications," Najib told reporters.
He listed out three criteria which led to the selection of Jamilah as BN candidate for the Feb 18 by-election.
"Checks on the ground showed that she has high ratings and is well accepted by the people due to her personality.
"Secondly, she has the potential to be a good state elected representative, who can fulfill the aspirations of the people here.
"Jamilah is also committed to continuing the good work of her husband, who had planned almost 850 projects for Tanjong Datu folk," said Najib.
He added that Jamilah will deliver on the promises made by Adenan to the constituents.
She faces a three-cornered fight with State Reform Party (Star) chairman Johnny Aput and Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru's Rapelson Richard Hamit.
Early polling has been fixed for Sunday.