Death of Sarawak chief minister throws up election uncertainties
PM Najib may rethink snap polls this year, given that the state is expected to deliver big for his coalition
Kuala Lumpur
THE unexpected demise of Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem of a heart attack on Wednesday may force Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak to rethink snap polls this year given that Mr Adenan's successor - likely deputy chief minister Abang Johari Abang Openg - would need time to consolidate his power base. This is all the more so as the country's biggest state was expected to deliver big for the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional (BN).
Mr Adenan, who would have turned 73 in about a fortnight, died at the Sarawak Heart Centre at Kota Samarahan. He had been admitted since Sunday on his return from a holiday in Australia with his family.
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