Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) would field three direct candidates and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) would field eight candidates in the upcoming state election, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem announced today.

The three BN candidates would contest in Serembu, Bukit Semuja and Mulu while PBB's candidates would contest in Muara Tuang, Simunjan, Daro, Jemoreng, Kabong, Bukit Goram, Kalaka and Katibas.

Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, a former Perlis mufti who will be contesting in Jemoreng, was determined to help the people if he wins.

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve my hometown and I am committed to carrying out the mandate given for Jemoreng's good, " said Juanda, who will be contesting on the BN-PBB ticket.

Other PBB candidates include Datuk Idris Buang (Muara Tuang), Awla Idris (Simunjan), Shafiee Ahmad (Daro), Mohd Chee Kadir (Kabong) and Jefferson Jamit Unyat (Bukit Goram).

The BN's direct candidates were Miro Simuh (Serembu), John Ilus (Bukit Semuja) and Gerawat Gala (Mulu).

The Sarawak state assembly was dissolved yesterday, to pave way for the 11th state election.

Under Clause 4 Article 55 of the Federal Constitution, the state election must be held within 60 days after the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly.

Currently, BN holds 55 seats out of the 71 seats in the state.

DAP holds 12 seats while PKR holds three. There is one independent candidate.