The Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) has received the list containing the names of several candidates for the by-election for the Pujut state assembly seat.

Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg, who is also the state BN chairman, said the final decision on the candidate to be selected would be decided at the Sarawak BN meeting expected to be held before the nomination process.

“We already have the names but I will make the announcement after the Sarawak BN meeting. Whether the BN would field a 'direct candidate’would also be scrutinised and would depend on the situation,”he said.

He disclosed this at a press conference after distributing Hari Raya contributions for the Satok state constituency, in Kuching today.

The by-election for the Pujut State Assembly seat is being held following the "withdrawal" of the eligibility of the incumbent Dr Ting Tiong Choon from the DAP as a member of the state legislative assembly by the Sarawak state assembly on May 12.

In the 11th state election in May last year, Dr Ting won with a majority of 1,759 votes beating three other candidates namely Hii King Chiong (BN), Jofri Jaraiee (PAS) and Fong Pau Teck (Independent).

The "direct candidate" formula was introduced by the late Adenan Satem to resolve the dispute between the Parti Rakyat Bersatu Sarawak (SUPP) and its splinter party, Parti Rakyat Bersatu (UPP).

The Election Commission has fixed July 4 for the by-election of the state assembly seat while nomination is set for June 20.

- Bernama