Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) announced the first batch of its 15 priority candidates for the upcoming Sarawak State Election.

Its vice-president, Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar, said the candidates had been chosen out of a total of 45 tentative candidates.

He said all the candidates were professionals, qualified and had worked on the ground and proven their capabilities.

They are Nurhanim Hanna Dato Mokhsen, who is to contest in Tupong, See Chee How (Batu Lintang), Voon Shiak Ni (Batu Kitang), Abg Zulkifli Abg Engkeh (Lingga), Norina Umoi Utot (Simanggang), Yakub Daud (Saribas), Vernon Aji Kedit (Layar), Ali Biju (Kerian), George Chen (Machan), Abdul Raafidin Majid (Nangka), Abun Sui Angit (Murum), Elia Bit (Marudi), Ronald Engan (Telang Usan), Paul Baya (Mulu) and Baru Bian (Ba'Kelalan).

"We will announce the next batch of candidates in due time," he told a press conference at a PKR dinner and meeting here Sunday.