The Barisan Nasional (BN)'s victory in yesterday's Tanjong Datu state by-election is proof of the people's confidence in the BN government and its development agenda, said MCA secretary general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan.

Ong, who is also Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, hoped the BN win in Sarawak would be emulated by other states in facing the coming general election.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the Chinese New Year celebration organised by the Perak MCA Women, which was also attended by its chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie here today.

BN candidate Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, who is Adenan's widow, won with a majority of 6,443 votes, defeating Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) Baru candidate Rapelson Richard Hamit and Star candidate Johnny Aput, who lost their deposits.

The by-election was held following the death of its incumbent, Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who was also Sarawak fifth Chief Minister, due to heart complications on Jan 11 at the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan.

-- BERNAMA