Amanah won't contest in Tg Datu by-election

Parti Amanah Negara will not contest in the Tanjong Datu by-election on Feb 18.

"We believe that in this current political climate, it is better to focus on preparing for the 14th general election, expected soon," Amanah secretary-general Annuar Tahir said in a statement.

The seat fell vacant upon the death of its incumbent and Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem.

PBB said it will field Adenan's widow Jamilah Anu to defend the seat.

Adenan led PBB to win 72 of the 82 state seats in the Sarawak election last year.

He secured the Tanjong Datu constituency with a majority of 5,892 votes.

Last week an Umno division leader said the party had set a June deadline for grassroots to prepare for the 14th GE.

Umno president and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on Tuesday announced the party's division meetings will be held earlier this year, bucking convention of holding the meetings in the second half of the year.

He, however, said this is not related to speculation that a general election will be held this year.- Mkini