Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem today named three candidates for three seats in the coming state election.

He named Abdul Yakub Arbi, 56 as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Balingian state seat, Yussibnosh Balo, 50 for Tellian seat and incumbent Datuk Fatimah Abdullah to defend Palat seat.

The Sarawak state election is expected to be held on Apr 30 and nomination on Apr 18. The present state assembly's term expires on June 20, after which it will be automatically dissolved.

Adenan, who took over from Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud two years ago, also wants July 22 to be declared as Sarawak Independence Day and be made a state holiday.

READ: PM knows my 'Iban wife' remark was a joke - Adenan

READ: PM knows my 'Iban wife' remark was a joke - Adenan

He said this was to recognise those who fought for the independence during the time of British rule.

In view of the rising cost of living, Adenan also announced that residential property assessment rates would be reduced.